Question

1. interpreting star data

the table below shows four stars:

star	apparent magnitude	absolute brightness
a	-6.0	10^4
b	0.0	10^2
c	+7.0	1
d	+9.0	10^(-3)

• which star would appear brightest from earth? why?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand apparent magnitude concept

Lower apparent - magnitude values mean brighter stars as seen from Earth.

Step2: Compare given apparent - magnitude values

We have star A with apparent magnitude - 6.0, star B with 0.0, star C with + 7.0, and star D with + 9.0.

Step3: Determine the brightest star

Since - 6.0 is the lowest value among the apparent - magnitude values, star A is the brightest as seen from Earth.

Answer:

Star A would appear brightest from Earth because it has the lowest (most negative) apparent - magnitude value among the four stars, and lower apparent - magnitude values indicate brighter stars as seen from Earth.