This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer
« previous next »

Author Question: Why do we measure some distances in astronomy in light-years and some in astronomical units? What ... (Read 26 times)

bb

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 544
on: Jul 27, 2018
Why do we measure some distances in astronomy in light-years and some in astronomical units?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why would the English system of units be more useful if a foot contained 10 inches?
 
  What will be an ideal response?


Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

cat123

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 310
Reply #1 on: Jul 27, 2018
Answer to Question 1

Consider using millimeters to describe the distance between New York and California, 3,920,000,000 millimeters. This distance is correct, but it is far more convenient to state the distance as 3920 kilometers. Distances in astronomy are huge when compared to distances we measure on Earth. It is simpler and more convenient to use larger distance units for discussion and calculations.

Answer to Question 2

Because our number system is base-10, having units based on 10 simplifies calculations. Fractions could be expressed in decimal notation. Prefixes could be used, such as milli-, centi-, kilo- to express lengths of varying orders of magnitudes.


bb

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 544
Reply #2 on: Jul 27, 2018
Thanks


cat123

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 310
Reply #3 on: Jul 27, 2018
Welcome :)


« previous next »
 

Did you know?

Hippocrates noted that blood separates into four differently colored liquids when removed from the body and examined: a pure red liquid mixed with white liquid material with a yellow-colored froth at the top and a black substance that settles underneath; he named these the four humors (for blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile).

Did you know?

Approximately 15–25% of recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. However, many miscarriages often occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant.

Did you know?

Fatal fungal infections may be able to resist newer antifungal drugs. Globally, fungal infections are often fatal due to the lack of access to multiple antifungals, which may be required to be utilized in combination. Single antifungals may not be enough to stop a fungal infection from causing the death of a patient.

Did you know?

Increased intake of vitamin D has been shown to reduce fractures up to 25% in older people.

Did you know?

Never take aspirin without food because it is likely to irritate your stomach. Never give aspirin to children under age 12. Overdoses of aspirin have the potential to cause deafness.

Map distances are generally additive Map distances are generally additive
How a photosystem harvests light. How a photosystem harvests light.
Assessment of Light Touch Assessment of Light Touch
Trapping of Light by a Black Hole Trapping of Light by a Black Hole
How wide must a narrow slit be if the first diffraction minimum occurs at 12 with laser light ... How wide must a narrow slit be if the first diffraction minimum occurs at 12 with laser light ...
Light-independent reactions in C3 plants. Light-independent reactions in C3 plants.
Video: Parathyroid hormone (bone resorption) & Calcitonin (bone deposition)

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library