Does the claim that 10% of the matter in the Milky Way is in the form of dust grains seem reasonable?

Study for the University of Central Florida AST2002 Astronomy Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your final!

The claim that 10% of the matter in the Milky Way being in the form of dust grains is more effectively supported by the idea that dust plays a significant role in the interstellar medium, which is better articulated in the following options.

Dust grains, which are tiny solid particles composed of various materials including silicates and carbon compounds, are indeed found throughout the universe and contribute importantly to the interstellar medium. They serve several essential functions, such as providing a surface for gas molecules to condense onto, influencing star formation, and affecting the overall chemistry of the galaxy.

While it may seem intuitive to think there is insufficient heavy elemental content (like carbon and silicon) to support a substantial amount of dust, the actual fraction of dust in the interstellar medium is generally much lower than what is posited in the claim. Instead, typical estimates suggest that dust constitutes only a small percentage of the overall mass of a galaxy, indicating that the stated figure of 10% would likely be too high.

Thus, when evaluating the overall structure and composition of the Milky Way, dust certainly plays a pivotal role, yet its actual contribution by mass remains considerably less than the claim suggests. Understanding this context reinforces why considering dust as making up 10

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