How Does Gravitational Lensing Tell Us About the Mass of a Galaxy

question 39

Multiple Choice

How does gravitational lensing tell us about the mass of a galaxy cluster?

• A)Newton's universal law of gravitation predicts how mass can distort light, so we can apply Newton's law to determine the mass of the cluster.
• B)The lensing allows us to determine the orbital speeds of galaxies in the cluster, so that we can determine the mass of the cluster from the orbital velocity law.
• C)The lensing broadens spectral lines, and we can use the broadening to "weigh" the cluster.
• D)Using Einstein's general theory of relativity, we can calculate the cluster's mass from the precise way in which it distorts the light of galaxies behind it.

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Definitions:

Accrual Accounting

An accounting method that records revenues and expenses when they are incurred, regardless of when cash transactions occur.

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

A financial model used to estimate the value of an investment based on its expected future cash flows, adjusted for the time value of money.

Average Cost of Capital

A company's average cost of funds (both debt and equity), representing the return that investors expect for providing capital.

Profitability Index

A calculation used to assess the profitability and efficiency of an investment or project, computed as the present value of future cash flows divided by the initial investment cost.