Question

in astronomy, the mass of stars can be described
in units called solar masses.

• one solar mass is roughly equal to the mass of

the sun.

• the mass of the star proxima centauri is

0.122 solar masses.

• the mass of the star sirius a is 2.063 solar masses.

the student wants to emphasize the mass of sirius a
which choice most effectively uses relevant
information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
a) the mass of stars, like proxima centauri, can be
described in units called solar masses.
b) in astronomy, the mass of stars can be described
in units called solar masses, and one solar mass is
roughly equal to the mass of the sun.
c) the sun is more massive than proxima centauri,
which has a mass of 0.122 solar masses.
d) with a mass of 2.063 solar masses, sirius a is
more massive than the sun.

Explanation:

To emphasize Sirius A's mass, we need to relate its solar mass value to the Sun (since 1 solar mass ≈ Sun's mass). Option D states Sirius A has 2.063 solar masses, so it's more massive than the Sun, directly highlighting its mass relative to a familiar object (Sun) using relevant info (solar masses, Sirius A's mass value). Other options either focus on Proxima Centauri (A, C) or just define solar masses (B) without emphasizing Sirius A's mass relative to the Sun.

Answer:

D. With a mass of 2.063 solar masses, Sirius A is more massive than the Sun.