Exam-style question
Try this first
Explain how the radial velocity evidence supports the existence of orbiting planets.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The radial velocity evidence shows periodic shifts in the star's spectrum, indicating that the star is moving in response to the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
- This movement causes the observed Doppler effect, which implies the presence of a planet.
Explanation
Why this works
This answer effectively identifies the evidence of spectral shifts and explains its significance in supporting the existence of orbiting planets. It demonstrates the student's ability to connect observational data with theoretical implications in astrophysics.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.