Question
.PS1.2) An astronomer uses a model to estimate the energy released by nuclear fusion in a star’s core. Which observation could best validate the model?
(10 Points)
Measuring the brightness of the star over time.
Observing the number of planets around the star.
Measuring the temperature of the star’s surface only.
Counting the number of asteroids in the star’s system.
(10 Points)
Measuring the brightness of the star over time.
Observing the number of planets around the star.
Measuring the temperature of the star’s surface only.
Counting the number of asteroids in the star’s system.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To best validate the model estimating the energy released by nuclear fusion in a star's core, the most relevant observation would be:
**Measuring the brightness of the star over time.**
This is because the brightness (or luminosity) of a star is closely related to the energy produced by nuclear fusion processes occurring in its core. Changes in brightness can provide insights into the energy output and stability of the star, which directly reflects the processes happening within. The other observations, while interesting, do not provide direct information about the fusion processes happening inside the star's core.
**Measuring the brightness of the star over time.**
This is because the brightness (or luminosity) of a star is closely related to the energy produced by nuclear fusion processes occurring in its core. Changes in brightness can provide insights into the energy output and stability of the star, which directly reflects the processes happening within. The other observations, while interesting, do not provide direct information about the fusion processes happening inside the star's core.