Question

A group of students collect data about the distance of three galaxies from Earth in millions of light years (Mly). Their data is shown.



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The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.



Part A:

What can be concluded from the data in the table?


The galaxies are larger in present day compared to the early 20th century.


The galaxies are smaller in present day compared to the early 20th century.


The galaxies are closer to Earth in present day compared to the early 20th century.


The galaxies are farther from Earth in present day compared to the early 20th century.





Part B:

Which statement supports the answer in part A?


The universe is spinning.


The universe is stationary.


The universe is expanding.


The universe is compressing.

Answer 1

Part A: The galaxies are farther from Earth in present day compared to the early 20th century.

Part B: The universe is expanding.

Reason: The table shows each galaxy’s distance has increased over time, meaning they’re moving away from us. That observation is evidence for an expanding universe (consistent with Hubble’s law), not spinning, stationary, or compressing.