Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
A "twotino" is defined as a Kuiper belt object whose orbit around the sun is periodically perturbed by Neptune's gravity[*]. Discuss whether or not a "twotino" such as
2002 WC19 (shown at right[**], as depicted by an artist) could be considered a dwarf planet, and why. Explain using the International Astronomical Union classification scheme. [*] wiki.pe/Twotino.
[**] se-database.fandom.com/wiki/2002_WC19.
Solution and grading rubric:
- p:
Correct. Discusses IAU classification scheme to argue that 2002 WC19 would meet qualification I (orbits the sun directly), and appear to meet qualification II (rounded shape), but does not meet qualification III (dominates its orbit), it would be classified as a dwarf planet. - r:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. - t:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Explicitly lists IAU requirements, but does not apply them correctly/consistently. - v:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Discussion only tangentially related to the IAU classification scheme. - x:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion unrelated to the IAU classification scheme. - y:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank. - z:
Blank.
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm02nwF7
p: 19 students
r: 1 student
t: 7 students
v: 4 students
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students
A sample "p" response (from student 2815):
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