Exam-style question
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the parsec and parallax angle?.
- A.A parsec is the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of 1 arcsecond.
- B.A parsec is the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of 1 degree.
- C.A parsec is the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of 1 milliarcsecond.
- D.A parsec is the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of 1 radian.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A parsec is the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of 1 arcsecond.
Explanation
Why this works
Formula: d = 1/p. For d = 1 parsec, p = 1 arcsecond.
Units/conclusion: A parsec is defined as the distance at which a star has a parallax angle of 1 arcsecond.
Common mistake
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