Pulsars Are Rotating Neutron Stars That Emit Beams of Electromagnetic

question 46

Multiple Choice

Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation that sweep around the universe like rotating lighthouse beams. The charged particles that emit these beams are believed to be

• A) "charmed" mesons and other exotic particles that on Earth exist only in laboratories.
• B) iron and other nuclei pulled from the neutron star's crust by its intense magnetic fields.
• C) plasma (ionized gas) spiraling onto the neutron star from a normal stellar companion.
• D) electrons and protons accelerated by the neutron star's intense magnetic fields.

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Definitions:

Mental Category

A cognitive process that involves grouping or classifying objects, events, or ideas based on shared properties or characteristics.

Multitasking

The ability to perform more than one task or activity over a short period of time.

Mental Set

A cognitive bias that involves approaching a problem in a particular way, often one that has been successful in the past, which may block or delay the identification of alternative solutions.

Patterns

Regular and predictable forms, orders, or arrangements that can be observed in various contexts, such as behavior, nature, or mathematics.