When Astronomers Make Counts of How Many Quasars There Are

question 18

Multiple Choice

When astronomers make counts of how many quasars there are at different distances from us, what do they find?

• A) there are more quasars closer to us than farther away
• B) the largest number of quasars can be found at about a distance of 1 million LY away from us
• C) the number of quasars is pretty much the same at every range of distances (as many are close to us as far away)
• D) the largest number of quasars were found exactly at the time of the big bang (when the universe began); quasars have been declining steadily in numbers ever since
• E) the largest number of quasars can be seen at about the distance corresponding to a time when the universe was only 20% its current age (a time when the universe was still young)

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Definitions:

Utility Function

A mathematical representation of how different combinations of goods or services produce levels of happiness or satisfaction for an individual or entity.

Pareto Optimal

A state of allocation of resources in which it is impossible to make any individual better off without making at least one individual worse off, indicating an efficient distribution of goods and resources.

Endowment

The total resources available to an individual or institution, including assets, capabilities, and financial means.

General Equilibrium Analysis

A method in economics that attempts to understand how supply and demand interact across multiple markets simultaneously, and how they reach a state of balance.