An Astronomer Is Trying to Detect an Exoplanet Via the Phase

question 21

Multiple Choice

An astronomer is trying to detect an exoplanet via the phase cycle brightness method. Which of these changes to a particular planet will make it easier to detect, if everything else about the planet is unchanged?

• A) decreasing its mass
• B) increasing its mass
• C) decreasing its albedo
• D) increasing its albedo

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Definitions:

Natural Tendency

An innate or inherent inclination or predisposition towards a particular behavior, action, or thought pattern.

Person-Centered Therapy

A nondirective, humanistic therapy developed by Carl Rogers, in which the therapist creates an accepting climate and shows empathy, freeing clients to be themselves and releasing their natural tendency toward self-actualization.

Insight

The sudden realization of the relationship between elements in a problem situation, which makes the solution apparent.

Cognitive

Pertaining to the mental processes involved in knowledge, understanding, learning, and thinking.