If Star A has an apparent magnitude of +5,and Star B has an apparent magnitude of +10,then
A) Star A is twice as bright as Star B.
B) Star B is twice as bright as Star A.
C) Star A is 100 times as bright as Star B.
D) Star B is 100 times as bright as Star A.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in apparent magnitudes between two stars is equal to the ratio of their brightness. Using the formula:

Difference in apparent magnitude = 2.5 * log (brightness ratio)

we can calculate the brightness ratio as:

Brightness ratio = 10^(0.4 * difference in apparent magnitude)

For Star A and Star B, the difference in apparent magnitude is 10 - 5 = 5. Plugging this into the formula, we get:

Brightness ratio = 10^(0.4 * 5) = 10^2 = 100

This means that Star A is 100 times as bright as Star B. So the answer is C: "Star A is 100 times as bright as Star B."

If Star a Has an Apparent Magnitude of +5,and Star