You are measuring how velocity changes with time of two stars like the Sun in order to detect their planets. Both stars have a velocity curve with a periods of 2 years, but the maximum size (peak- to- peak amplitude)of the velocity curve of star A is 100 km/s, and for star B it is 200 km/s. What causes this difference? Assume the planets are named after their stars.
A)Planet A is less massive than Planet B.
B)Planet A is more massive than Planet B.
C)Planet A is farther from Star A than Planet B is from Star B.
D)Planet A is closer to Star A than Planet B is to Star B.
E)Not possible to say, since you're measuring the velocity curve of the stars, not the planets.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CThe greater the mass of the planet, the greater the gravitational influence it has on its star, leading to a larger amplitude in the star's velocity curve. Therefore, if Star A's velocity curve has a smaller amplitude than Star B's, it suggests that Planet A is less massive than Planet B. Additionally, the distance of the planet from its star affects the amplitude of the velocity curve; a planet farther from its star exerts less gravitational influence, leading to a smaller amplitude. Thus, Planet A being farther from Star A than Planet B is from Star B could also explain the difference in the velocity curves.

You Are Measuring How Velocity Changes with Time of Two