An astronomer calculates that a protoplanetary disk has a total mass of 5 × 10³⁰ kg, with 60% forming into planets and the rest dissipating. If the largest planet collects 2.4 × 10³⁰ kg, what fraction of the planetary mass did it receive?

Wed, 06 May 2026 06:20:00 +0000

Title: Astronomer Reveals How Much of a Protoplanetary Disk Forms into Planets — Breakdown of Mass Distribution Astronomers have long been fascinated by protoplanetary disks — swirling remnants of gas and dust orbiting young stars, where planets are born. New research sheds light on how much material from such a disk actually contributes to forming planets, using precise calculations by a leading researcher. According to the study, a protoplanetary disk with a total mass of 5 × 10³⁰ kg is forming planets, with 60% of its mass eventually coalescing into planetary bodies. The remaining 40% gradually dissipates due to stellar winds and radiation, underscoring the delicate balance of growth and loss in early planetary systems. If the largest emerging planet accumulates 2.4 × 10³⁰ kg of mass, astronomers have calculated the precise fraction of its planetary contribution that this represents. Using basic mass fraction analysis, the calculation is straightforward: