Figure 1
-Using the Doppler effect data for a particular star shown in Figure 1, and assuming the star is about the same mass as our Sun, determine the approximate orbital distance of its exoplanet.
A) 1.1 AU
B) 6.4 AU
C) 18 AU
D) 36 AU
E) 3.3 AU

Question

Figure 1
-Using the Doppler effect data for a particular star shown in Figure 1, and assuming the star is about the same mass as our Sun, determine the approximate orbital distance of its exoplanet.
A) 1.1 AU 
B) 6.4 AU 
C) 18 AU 
D) 36 AU 
E) 3.3 AU

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Doppler effect data can be used to determine the orbital period of the exoplanet. Assuming the star's mass is similar to the Sun's, Kepler's third law can be applied to estimate the orbital distance. The given options suggest that the calculated distance is approximately 3.3 AU.

Figure 1 -Using the Doppler Effect Data for a Particular Star Shown