A particular star is at a distance of 20 pc from Earth. For this star, the apparent magnitude will have
A) a larger value than its absolute magnitude.
B) a smaller value than its absolute magnitude.
C) the same value as its absolute magnitude, since magnitude is independent of distance.
D) a larger or a smaller value than the absolute magnitude, depending on the temperature and diameter of the star.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The apparent magnitude of a star becomes larger (dimmer) as the distance increases, while the absolute magnitude is a measure of its intrinsic brightness at a standard distance of 10 parsecs. Since this star is at 20 parsecs, its apparent magnitude will be larger (indicating it appears dimmer) than its absolute magnitude.

A Particular Star Is at a Distance of 20 Pc