How do elements typically manifest in the colder, denser regions of a nebula?
Answer
They combine to form molecular gas and solid dust particles
The physical state of elements within a nebula is directly influenced by local temperature and energy input. In colder, denser regions, such as the cores of collapsing clouds, the lower energy allows atoms to bond together chemically. This results in the formation of molecular gas and the condensation of heavier elements into solid dust particles, which are described as typically being silicate-based or carbonaceous.
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