A Particular Star Shows Spectral Lines of the Lithium Isotope

question 60

Multiple Choice

A particular star shows spectral lines of the lithium isotope ⁶Li. What conclusion do astronomers draw from this observation?

• A) The star has vaporized one of its planets that spiraled in too close to the star because the star's own ⁶Li was destroyed by nuclear reactions long ago.
• B) The star has not yet begun nuclear reactions in its core because these reactions destroy ⁶Li.
• C) Planets must be orbiting around the star because only planets show ⁶Li spectral lines.
• D) The star is composed of pristine (unmodified) material from the Big Bang because ⁶Li has been destroyed in material that has been processed in stars and expelled back into space.

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Definitions:

Private-Values Auction

A type of auction in which each bidder knows their own valuation of the item for sale, but this valuation is private and may differ from that of other bidders.

English Auction

A type of auction where bidders openly bid against one another, and the item is sold to the highest bidder.

Examine

To inspect or scrutinize carefully.

Vickrey Auction

A type of sealed-bid auction where the highest bidder wins but pays the price bid by the second-highest bidder.