Why Have Astronomers Using the Radial Velocity Method Found More

question 59

Multiple Choice

Why have astronomers using the radial velocity method found more Jupiter-sized planets at a distance of 1 AU around other stars than Earth-sized planets?

• A) A Jupiter-sized planet occults a larger area than an Earth-sized planet.
• B) A Jupiter-sized planet exerts a larger gravitational force on the star than an Earth-sized planet, and so the Doppler shift of the star is larger.
• C) A Jupiter-sized planet shines brighter than an Earth-sized planet.
• D) Earth-sized planets are much rarer than Jupiter-sized planets.
• E) Actually, the planets found at these distances all have been Earth-sized.

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Definitions:

Ultimate Attribution Error

The tendency to ascribe the cause of a behavior to the dispositions of the group rather than to situational factors when evaluating behaviors of groups different from one's own.

Normative Influence

The effect of societal norms and expectations on an individual's behavior, prompting conformity to group standards.

Informational Influence

A type of social influence that involves conforming to the beliefs or behaviors of a group based on the desire for accuracy in situations where the correct action or belief is uncertain.

Autokinetic Effect

A phenomenon where a stationary point of light appears to move in a dark room due to small eye movements.