Exam-style question
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What is a limitation of the radial velocity method for detecting exoplanets?.
- A.It can only detect large planets.
- B.It requires long-term observations.
- C.It cannot determine the distance of the planet from its star.
- D.It is less effective for close-in planets.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It cannot determine the distance of the planet from its star.
Explanation
Why this works
The radial velocity method measures the star's wobble due to gravitational pull from an orbiting planet. While it can indicate the presence of a planet and its mass, it does not provide direct information about the planet's distance from the star, which is crucial for understanding its potential habitability.
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