At apparent magnitude -3, Jupiter is 100X brighter than second magnitude Polaris.
True
False
Read.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparent_magnitude
hint:
- signs mean brighter but the rule of times 2 still holds
If leaving a rference like I did helps you, pleas leave a thankyou and i'll help with more references. We do not just up and answer lists of questions. How would that help you learn anything?
To compare the apparent brightness of two stars or celestial objects, we can use their apparent magnitudes. The apparent magnitude scale is logarithmic, which means a difference of 1 magnitude corresponds to a brightness ratio of approximately 2.5.
In the given statement, it is stated that Jupiter has an apparent magnitude of -3, while Polaris has a magnitude of second magnitude. The second magnitude corresponds to a value of approximately 2.5.
To determine the brightness ratio between the two objects, we need to find the difference in magnitudes and then calculate the corresponding ratio.
The difference in magnitudes can be calculated as:
Magnitude difference = magnitude of the brighter object - magnitude of the fainter object
Magnitude difference = -3 - 2.5 = -5.5
Since the magnitude difference is negative, we need to take the reciprocal of the ratio to convert it to a positive value.
Brightness ratio = 1 / (2.5^Magnitude difference)
Brightness ratio = 1 / (2.5^(-5.5))
Brightness ratio = 1 / (1 / 2.5^5.5)
Brightness ratio = 1 / (1 / 114.855)
Brightness ratio = 114.855
The calculated brightness ratio is approximately 114.855, which means that Jupiter is approximately 114.855 times brighter than Polaris.
Therefore, the given statement is false. Jupiter is not 100 times brighter than Polaris.