In What Way Does the Drake Equation Combine the Various

question 82

Multiple Choice

In what way does the Drake equation combine the various factors (e.g. ,fraction of stars with planets,fraction of planets that can support life,etc. ) in an attempt to determine the probability of life existing elsewhere in the Galaxy?

• A) It takes the product of all the factors.
• B) It takes the sum of each of the factors.
• C) It divides the sum of three factors by the sum of the other four factors.
• D) It subtracts the sum of six factors from the initial factor,the rate of solar-type star formation.

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Definitions:

Contingent

Not necessary; could have been otherwise. What we believe (or a state of affairs) is contingent if we can imagine its being other than it is.

Royal Road

Historically, a phrase suggesting a direct and effortless path to a solution or goal; originates from the ancient Persian network of roads facilitating rapid communication.

Science

A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.

Sensory Evidence

Information obtained through the senses, which form the basis of empirical knowledge and understanding of the environment.