What does "Gas Drag" mean?
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Gas drag is a force that affects objects moving through a gas, like dust or small rocks in space. When these objects travel in a gas, they experience resistance, which slows them down. This is similar to how it feels when you try to run through water; the water pushes against you and makes it harder to move.
Effects in Comets
In comets, gas drag plays a part in how dust and gas are released into space. When large pieces of material, like aggregates, are ejected from a comet's surface, gas drag can influence their movement. However, if these aggregates are big enough, the effect of gas drag becomes less important. This means that they can move more freely without being slowed down too much by the surrounding gas.
Importance in Moon Formation
Gas drag also impacts the formation of moons. In the process of forming a moon, small pieces of material can be pulled together by gravity. If these pieces are too small, gas drag can cause them to fall back to the planet, preventing the moon from forming. Larger pieces can avoid this issue since they are less affected by gas drag, allowing for better chances of forming a moon around a planet.