The Spectrum of a Very Distant Star Shows Spectral Absorption

question 22

Multiple Choice

The spectrum of a very distant star shows spectral absorption lines of ionized helium,He II,and molecular absorption bands from titanium oxide,TiO.What could you conclude about this star?

• A) The star is probably the spectrum of a binary system, two stars close together, a hot star and a cooler companion, unresolved as separate stars from Earth but contributing separate spectra.
• B) The star must have a very hot atmosphere containing helium gas overlying a much cooler stellar surface.
• C) The star must have a thick, cool atmosphere overlying a hot stellar atmosphere.
• D) There must be cool, interstellar gas containing TiO between the star and Earth.

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Definitions:

Production Function

An equation that describes the maximum amount of output that can be derived from a set number of inputs.

Diminishing Marginal Product

The principle that says the marginal product of a factor of production decreases as the quantity of the factor is increased, holding all else constant.

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages reaped by companies when production becomes efficient, as the scale of production and the cost per unit of production decrease.

Average Total Cost

The total cost of production divided by the number of units produced, representing the per-unit cost of production.