Question
Why do astronomers use astronomical units (AU) instead of kilometers (km)?
Responses
AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length.
There are no km in outer space, only AU.
Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.
AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics.
Responses
AU is used for spacing, while km is used for length.
There are no km in outer space, only AU.
Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.
AU is used in astronomy, while km is used in physics.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Astronomers use astronomical units (AU) instead of kilometers (km) primarily because large distances in space are easier to express in AU than in km.
1 AU is defined as the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, which is about 149.6 million kilometers. Using AU simplifies communication and calculations in astronomy since many celestial bodies are separated by vast distances; expressing these distances in AU makes them more manageable and comprehensible compared to using kilometers.
So, the best response would be: **Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.**
1 AU is defined as the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, which is about 149.6 million kilometers. Using AU simplifies communication and calculations in astronomy since many celestial bodies are separated by vast distances; expressing these distances in AU makes them more manageable and comprehensible compared to using kilometers.
So, the best response would be: **Large distances are easier to express in AU than in km.**