Stars A is four times more luminous than star B,and it is also four times farther away than star B.How does the brightness of these two stars compare?
A) Star A is 4 times fainter than star B.
B) Star A is 16 times fainter than star B.
C) Star A is 4 times brighter than star B.
D) Star A is 16 times brighter than star B.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The brightness of a star as seen from Earth decreases with the square of the distance. If Star A is four times farther away than Star B, its brightness is reduced by a factor of 4^2 = 16. However, since it is also four times more luminous, this factor of 4 partially compensates for the distance dimming, making it 16/4 = 4 times fainter than Star B.

Stars a Is Four Times More Luminous Than Star B,and