You See Two Main-Sequence Stars with the Same Spectral Type

question 92

Multiple Choice

You see two main-sequence stars with the same spectral type. Star 1 is dimmer in apparent brightness than Star 2 by a factor of 100. What can you conclude, assuming there is no absorption of either star's light by interstellar gas or dust?

• A) Without first knowing the distances to these stars, you cannot draw any conclusions about how their true luminosities compare to each other.
• B) The luminosity of Star 1 is a factor of 100 less than the luminosity of Star 2.
• C) Star 1 is 100 times more distant than Star 2.
• D) Star 1 is 100 times nearer than Star 2.
• E) Star 1 is 10 times more distant than Star 2.

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Definitions:

Colonialism

The political and economic domination by one country over a geographically separate and distinct area and its indigenous population, often involving exploitation.

Sociologist

A social scientist who studies the social behaviors, structures, institutions, and functions of human society.

Western Science

The scientific traditions, methodologies, and practices that originated and developed in the Western world, often contrasted with Indigenous or non-Western approaches to knowledge.

Objectivity

The practice of maintaining impartiality and neutrality, avoiding bias or personal prejudice in the evaluation of information or in decision-making.