The Rings of Saturn Alternately Appear Very Distinct and Then

question 55

Multiple Choice

The rings of Saturn alternately appear very distinct and then almost disappear when viewed from Earth over a period of a few years because

• A) Earth is very much closer to Saturn at opposition than at conjunction, so the rings are more easily seen at this time.
• B) the solar wind occasionally blows away the ring particles when the Sun is particularly active.
• C) the ice crystals from which they are made melt and refreeze as the planet approaches and recedes from the Sun.
• D) the plane of the rings is tilted with respect to the ecliptic plane and thus appears edge-on at times.

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Definitions:

Spending Multiplier

The ratio of a change in aggregate income to the initial change in spending that brought it about, illustrating the larger impact on income.

Government Purchases

Expenditures made by the public sector on goods and services, including infrastructure and public safety.

Net Taxes

The total amount of taxes collected by the government minus any transfer payments and subsidies.

GDP

Gross Domestic Product, a measure of the economic performance of a country, evaluating the total value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period.