Astronomy quiz question: comparative surface dating of terrestrial planets

Astronomy 210 Quiz 7, spring semester 2013
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

__________ are used to compare the age of different regions on terrestrial planets.
(A) Impact crater densities.
(B) Infrared measurements.
(C) Volcano heat maps.
(D) Polar ice caps.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (A)

Because of the rate of bombardment in the solar system has decreased over time, the density of impact craters indicates the surface age of a terrestrial planet, where a heavily cratered region is relatively older than a smoother region, which would have experience more recent geological activity.

Section 36074
Exam code: quiz07n0iC
(A) : 20 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 1 student

Success level: 79% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.57

Section 30676
Exam code: quiz07sEcn
(A) : 27 students
(B) : 9 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 4 students
(No response) : 1 student

Success level: 66% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.54