20081006

Astronomy quiz question: telescope funding

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


[4.0 points.] 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 visible light telescope in the Chilean mountains.
(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 visible light telescope on a mountain would be able to detect signals at much less cost than a radio telescope in space.

Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 11 students
(B) : 15 students
(C) : 34 students
(D) : 11 students

"Difficulty level": 51%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.63

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