What structure forms around a nascent star due to the conservation of angular momentum during gravitational squeeze?
Answer
Protoplanetary disk
As gravitational collapse concentrates the initial diffuse gas and dust toward the center, the rotation inherent in the system must be conserved. Because the contracting material moves closer to the central axis of rotation, its rotational speed increases dramatically due to the conservation of angular momentum. This rotational effect prevents all the infalling material from landing directly onto the growing central mass. Instead, the material organizes itself into a rotating, flattening structure surrounding the nascent star, which is specifically identified as a protoplanetary disk. This disk represents the material foundation from which planets will eventually form.
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