The Earth's Orbit Has a Mean Radius Of $1.5 \times 10 ^ { 8 } \mathrm {~km}$

question 17

Multiple Choice

The earth's orbit has a mean radius of $1.5 \times 10 ^ { 8 } \mathrm {~km}$ . Over a six-month period, the apparent position of a particular star varies by $0.00014 ^ { \circ }$ due to parallax. How many kilometers is this star from Earth?

• A) \(1.2 \times 10 ^ { 17 } \mathrm {~km}\)
• B) \(1.2 \times 10 ^ { 20 } \mathrm {~km}\)
• C) \(1.2 \times 10 ^ { 11 } \mathrm {~km}\)
• D) \(1.2 \times 10 ^ { 14 } \mathrm {~km}\)

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Definitions:

Coccyx

A small, triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans, composed of fused vestigial vertebrae.

Radius

One of the two large bones in the forearm, located on the side of the thumb.

Carpals

Bones forming the wrist that connect the hand to the forearm.

Phalanges

The bones of the fingers and toes.