Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 33 - Astrophysics and Cosmology - Problems - Page 981: 3

Answer

The parallax angle of the farther star will be smaller than that of the nearer star by a factor of $2$.

Work Step by Step

We can use this equation to find the distance D to the star: $D=\frac{d}{\phi}$, where d = 1 AU and $\phi$ is the parallax angle. If $D_2 = 2~D_1$, let's compare $\phi_2$ and $\phi_1$. $\phi_2 = \frac{d}{D_2} = \frac{d}{2~D_1} = \frac{d}{2d/\phi_1} = \frac{\phi_1}{2}$ Therefore the parallax angle of the farther star will be smaller than that of the nearer star by a factor of $2$.
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