A Meteorite That Recently Fell to the EarthEarth Was Found

question 115

Multiple Choice

A meteorite that recently fell to the EarthEarth was found to contain evidence of the existence earlier in its history of a short-lived radioactive isotope of aluminum,²⁶Al,which can be produced only under extremely energetic conditions and in nuclear reactions.What conclusion can be drawn from this observation?

• A) An energetic nuclear event, a supernova, occurred near the Sun, and it produced the ²⁶Al at about the time the meteorite was formed.
• B) The meteorite became so hot on its descent through the EarthEarth''s atmosphere that it became radioactive, and the ²⁶Al was formed at that time.
• C) The meteorite had probably passed through radioactive clouds in space and collected the ²⁶Al before hitting the EarthEarth.
• D) Radioactivity occurs spontaneously in normal matter, so this finding is not surprising.

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Definitions:

Strict-Liability Tort

A civil wrong that occurs when a defendant takes an action that is inherently dangerous and cannot ever be undertaken safely, no matter what precautions the defendant takes. The defendant is liable for the plaintiff’s damages without any requirement that the plaintiff prove that the defendant was negligent.

Intention

The state of having a purpose or plan in mind when doing something.

Tort Law

The area of law that addresses harm or loss resulting from actions that are not contractual, leading to civil legal liabilities.

Civil Action

A legal proceeding in which one party sues another for the redress of a private grievance, involving non-criminal matters.