20131007

Astronomy quiz question: atmosphere transparency/opacity?

Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, fall semester 2013
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

(Electromagnetic spectrum provided on Quiz 3, with transparency of Earth's atmosphere indicated for different forms of light. Downward lengths of gray bars indicates amount transmitted through atmosphere.)


A __________ telescope would benefit the least by being taken up into outer space.
(A) X-ray.
(B) UV.
(C) Infrared.
(D) Radio wave.

Correct answer: (D)

Gamma rays, ultraviolet, and near-infrared cannot be detected at ground level, due to absorption of these wavelengths by the atmosphere. These telescopes would benefit by being taken up into outer space. A radio telescope would work in space, but would work just as well on the ground for much less cost, so there would be much less benefit in this type of telescope being taken up into outer space.

Section 70158
Exam code: quiz03sF0x
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 35 students

Success level: 86% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.20

Section 70160
Exam code: quiz03n1n6
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 20 students

Success level: 79% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.75

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