Question

describing earth’s formation
order these events from oldest (1) to most recent (4).
dense melted material sank to form the core.
earth’s gravity captured gases to form the first atmosphere.
dust, rock, and ice were pulled together by gravity.
less dense material cooled, hardened, and formed the crust.

Explanation:

• First, the initial formation of Earth started with dust, rock, and ice being pulled together by gravity (accretion of matter to form a protoplanet).
• Then, due to differentiation, dense melted material (like heavy metals) sank to form the core.
• After the core formed, Earth's gravity was strong enough to capture gases (from volcanic outgassing or other sources) to form the first atmosphere.
• Finally, the less dense material (like silicates) cooled, hardened, and formed the crust on the surface.

Answer:

1. Dust, rock, and ice were pulled together by gravity.
2. Dense melted material sank to form the core.
3. Earth’s gravity captured gases to form the first atmosphere.
4. Less dense material cooled, hardened, and formed the crust.