Question

question 9(multiple choice worth 4 points)
(05.01 mc)
the table below compares the distances between two bodies.
comparison of distance
earth and y: 59 au
earth and z: 3.2 light years
based on the table, which of the following statements is true?
o z is closer to earth than y is.
o y is present outside the solar system.
o y is most likely a galaxy close to earth.
o z is present outside the solar system.

Explanation:

Step1: Convert units

1 AU (Astronomical Unit) is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. 1 light - year is the distance that light travels in one year.
We know that 1 light - year $\approx63241$ AU.
So, the distance between Earth and Z ($3.2$ light - years) is $d_Z=3.2\times63241\approx202371.2$ AU.
The distance between Earth and Y is $d_Y = 59$ AU.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: Since $d_Z\approx202371.2$ AU and $d_Y = 59$ AU, $Z$ is farther from Earth than $Y$. So, “Z is closer to Earth than Y is” is false.
• Option 2: Objects within the solar system (e.g., planets, dwarf planets) have distances from Earth in the order of tens of AU. Since $d_Y=59$ AU, Y is likely within the solar system. So, “Y is present outside the solar system” is false.
• Option 3: Galaxies are extremely far away (thousands or millions of light - years). Since $d_Y = 59$ AU, Y is not a galaxy. So, “Y is most likely a galaxy close to Earth” is false.
• Option 4: The solar system is a relatively small part of the universe. Objects at a distance of light - years are outside the solar system. Since the distance between Earth and Z is $3.2$ light - years, Z is present outside the solar system.

Answer:

Z is present outside the solar system.