20081004

Astronomy quiz question: telescope funding

Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA


Based on being able to detect its wavelength, and cost of location, which telescope should be funded?
(A) A gamma ray detector in Antarctica.
(B) An ultraviolet detector in the Mojave desert.
(C) A near-infrared telescope on an aircraft.
(D) A radio telescope in space.

Correct answer: (C)

Gamma rays and ultraviolet waves cannot be detected at ground level, due to absorption of these wavelengths by the atmosphere. A near-infrared telescope on an aircraft would be able to detect signals at much less cost than a radio telescope in space.

Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 19 students
(D) : 4 students

Success level: 63%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.78

1 comment:

Patrick M. Len said...

Astronomy 210 Final Exam, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 6 students
(C) : 28 students
(D) : 3 students

Success level: 72%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.03

Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 11 students
(C) : 24 students
(D) : 8 students

Success level: 56%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.62