TeXes Science Practice Test

What does the age of meteorites imply about the formation of the Solar System and the Earth?

1. The Solar System formed after the Earth did

2. The Solar System and Earth formed at about the same time

3. The Solar System is much older than Earth

4. The age of meteorites is irrelevant to the age of Earth

The correct answer is: The Solar System and Earth formed at about the same time

The age of meteorites provides crucial insights into the formation of the Solar System and the Earth. Meteorites are believed to be remnants from the early Solar System, dating back to around 4.6 billion years ago. This timeframe aligns closely with the estimated age of the oldest Earth rocks, which suggests that the process of planet formation, including that of Earth, occurred shortly after the formation of the Solar System itself. This correlation indicates that the Earth and the other bodies in the Solar System formed almost simultaneously as part of a common genetic dust cloud. Thus, when evaluating the ages of meteorites in relation to the Earth, it becomes clear that both the Solar System and Earth emerged around the same time. Understanding this relationship helps clarify the evolutionary history of our planetary neighborhood and reinforces the concept of a dynamic early Solar System filled with debris that contributed to the formation of planets.