Figure 2
-Figure 2 shows data from the transit study of a star in which three different planets repeatedly transit in front of the star (A, B, and C). Which dips are caused by the transit of the planet with the smallest radius?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) A, B, and C
E) impossible to tell from this data

Question

Figure 2
-Figure 2 shows data from the transit study of a star in which three different planets repeatedly transit in front of the star (A, B, and C). Which dips are caused by the transit of the planet with the smallest radius?
A) A 
B) B 
C) C 
D) A, B, and C 
E) impossible to tell from this data

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transit depth (i.e. the amount of light blocked by the planet) is directly proportional to the radius of the planet. Therefore, the dips caused by the transit of the planet with the smallest radius would be the shallowest. From the graph, it is clear that the dip corresponding to Planet A is the shallowest, indicating that it has the smallest radius.

Figure 2 -Figure 2 Shows Data from the Transit Study of a of a Star