Question

image 5 shows several element spectrum compared to the spectrum of an unknown star. image 5: element spectra compared to an unknown star spectrum hydrogen (h) unknown star spectrum helium (he) unknown star spectrum sodium (na) unknown star spectrum magnesium (mg) unknown star spectrum calcium (ca) unknown star spectrum iron (fe) unknown star spectrum 10. which row in the table presents an accurate argument based on the evidence provided? use image 5 and table 1 to answer the question 1 row claim evidence reasoning a the unknown star is betelgeuse. the spectra show that the star is composed of heavier elements like calcium and iron. betelgeuse is a red supergiant star. red supergiant stars are massive enough to produce heavier elements. b the unknown star could be our sun or betelgeuse. the spectra show that the star is composed of sodium and magnesium. since both our sun and betelgeuse both undergo nuclear fusion, both stars will produce the same elements at the same stage in their life cycle. c the unknown star is not our sun, betelgeuse, or proxima centauri. the spectra show that the star is composed of iron. our sun and proxima centauri are in the early stages of their lives, so they have not reached the point where they are forming iron. betelgeuse is a red supergiant star, which does not form anything heavier than calcium. d the unknown star could be our sun or proxima centauri. the spectra show that the star is composed of hydrogen and helium. both our sun and proxima centauri are in the early stages of their life cycle, and have not started to form elements heavier than helium.

Explanation:

• Row A: Just because a star has calcium and iron doesn't mean it's Betelgeuse. There could be many stars with these elements.
• Row B: Our sun and Betelgeuse are at different stages of their life - cycles. They won't produce the same elements at the same time.
• Row C: Our sun and Proxima Centauri are in early stages (main - sequence stars) and don't form iron. Betelgeuse (a red supergiant) doesn't form iron (it forms up to calcium in its core before supernova). If the star has iron, it can't be these three stars.
• Row D: If the star is composed of hydrogen and helium, it could be in the early stage (like our sun or Proxima Centauri which are main - sequence stars fusing hydrogen). But the unknown star's spectrum in the image has more elements than just hydrogen and helium.

Answer:

C. The unknown star is not our sun, Betelgeuse, or Proxima Centauri. The spectra show that the star is composed of iron. Our sun and Proxima Centauri are in the early stages of their lives, so they have not reached the point where they are forming iron. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star, which does not form anything heavier than calcium.