Why Will Proposed Future Experiments to Search for Earthlike Planets

question 93

Multiple Choice

Why will proposed future experiments to search for Earthlike planets use the infrared region of the spectrum?

• A) Life forms give off IR radiation preferentially when they are alive (and warm!).
• B) The ratio of IR to visible radiation from planets is much higher than for their parent stars.
• C) Earth's atmosphere is more transparent over this wavelength range than at any other wavelength.
• D) Only at these wavelengths will spectra show spectral signatures that are identifiable as originating on Earthlike planets.

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Definitions:

Inflation Risk

The danger that the value of financial returns or purchasing power will be eroded as inflation diminishes the value of money over time.

Systematic Risk

The type of risk inherent to the entire market or market segment, also known as market risk, which cannot be mitigated through diversification.

Beta

A measure of a stock's volatility in relation to the overall market; a higher beta indicates greater risk and potential return.

Unsystematic Risk

The risk associated with a specific company or industry, also known as non-market risk, diversifiable risk, or idiosyncratic risk.