In the simplified Drake equation, the total number of life-bearing planets in our galaxy is given by
A) NHP
B) flᵢfₑ
C) NHP × flᵢfₑ
D) NHP / flᵢfₑ

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The simplified Drake equation is N = NHP × flᵢfₑ × fc × L, where N is the number of communication-capable civilizations in our galaxy, NHP is the number of habitable planets in our galaxy, flᵢ is the fraction of habitable planets that actually develop life, fe is the fraction of those that develop intelligent life, fc is the fraction of those capable of interstellar communication, and L is the lifetime of a communication-capable civilization. In the equation, we are interested in the total number of life-bearing planets, which is given by NHP × flᵢfₑ. Therefore, the answer is C.

In the Simplified Drake Equation, the Total Number of Life-Bearing