A particular star is at a distance of 20 pc from Earth.For this star,the apparent magnitude would be
A) either larger or smaller than the absolute magnitude,depending on the temperature and diameter of the star.
B) a smaller number than the absolute magnitude.
C) a larger number than the absolute magnitude.
D) the same as the absolute magnitude because magnitude is independent of distance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The apparent magnitude of a star depends on both its absolute magnitude (intrinsic brightness) and its distance from Earth. As the star is at a distance of 20 pc, its apparent magnitude would be larger than its absolute magnitude because the farther a star is from us, the dimmer it appears to be. Therefore, choice C is correct.

A Particular Star Is at a Distance of 20 Pc