What Basic Optical Process Makes the Rings of Saturn Visible

question 202

Multiple Choice

What basic optical process makes the rings of Saturn visible to observers on Earth?

• A) absorption of sunlight, making the rings appear dark against the bright sunlit planet
• B) refraction of sunlight by ice crystals
• C) self-emission of light from atoms of the ring material under UV excitation
• D) scattering of sunlight

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Definitions:

Soluble

The ability of a substance to be dissolved in a solvent, forming a homogeneous mixture at the molecular or ionic level.

Ethers

A class of organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups, widely used as solvents and in the production of pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

Boiling Point

The boiling point is the temperature at which a substance transitions from a liquid to a gas (vaporizes) at a given pressure, distinctive for each substance.

Molecular Weight

The sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule, indicating the size of the molecule.