Jupiter Is Sometimes Described as a "Failed Star," Suggesting That,if

question 215

Multiple Choice

Jupiter is sometimes described as a "failed star," suggesting that,if it had more mass,it would have developed as a star rather than as a planet and that we would live in a binary star system.Is this possible? How many times more massive would Jupiter have to be for this development to have taken place?

• A) Yes. Jupiter would need only about double it present mass.
• B) Yes. Jupiter would need slightly less than 100 times its present mass.
• C) Yes, but Jupiter would need thousands of times its present mass.
• D) No. No amount of extra mass could make a planet into a star.

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Definitions:

Unanimous Decision

An agreement on a course of action or decision by all parties or members involved without any dissent.

Groupthink

A psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives.

Bay Of Pigs

The site of a failed military invasion of Cuba in 1961 by Cuban exiles backed by the U.S. government aiming to overthrow Fidel Castro.

Groupthink

A psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, in which the desire for harmony or conformity results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.