Astronomers Discover a Bright X-Ray Source in the Milky Way

question 58

Multiple Choice

Astronomers discover a bright X-ray source in the Milky Way.They see no counterpart in the optical bands,but it has another star orbiting it,and they determine that the X-ray source has a mass of 10 MSᵤn.What is the most likely origin of the X-rays?

• A) a black hole
• B) a neutron star
• C) a white dwarf
• D) a gamma-ray burst

Understand and calculate the standard deviation of a probability distribution.

Understand and apply the concept of independent events in probability.

Calculate the probability of a specific outcome given a probability distribution.

Understand and apply the Poisson distribution to model certain types of random events.

---

Definitions:

Square Feet

A unit of area measurement used primarily in the United States, equal to the area of a square with sides one foot long.

Premise

A statement or proposition that serves as the basis for an argument or from which a conclusion is drawn.

Introduces

The act of presenting something or someone for the first time, or bringing something into use or operation.

Conclusion

The final judgement or decision reached by reasoning, or the end part of an argument where the logical outcome is stated.