Question

Among these stars with their corresponding apparent magnitudes, Vega (0.03), Arcturus (-0.05), Capella (0.08), and Rigil Kentaurus (-0.01), which stars are the dimmest and the brightest respectively?

a. Arcturus and Capella.
b. Vega and Rigil Kentaurus.
c. Capella and Arcturus.
d. Rigil Kentaurus and Vega

Answer 1

Capella, with the largest positive apparent magnitude (0.08), is the dimmest among the listed stars, and Arcturus, with the greatest negative apparent magnitude (-0.05), is the brightest. This makes option c (Capella and Arcturus) the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which stars among Vega (0.03), Arcturus (-0.05), Capella (0.08), and Rigil Kentaurus (-0.01) are the dimmest and the brightest respectively, we need to understand apparent magnitudes. The apparent magnitude scale is somewhat counterintuitive, as the smaller the number (including negative values), the brighter the star. Therefore, the star with the largest positive magnitude is the dimmest, and the star with the largest negative magnitude is the brightest.

Based on the values provided:

• Arcturus has an apparent magnitude of -0.05.
• Rigil Kentaurus has an apparent magnitude of -0.01.
• Vega has an apparent magnitude of 0.03.
• Capella has an apparent magnitude of 0.08.

Given these magnitudes, Capella, with the largest positive magnitude, is the dimmest. Conversely, Arcturus, with the greatest negative magnitude, is the brightest. Hence, the correct answer is: Capella is the dimmest and Arcturus is the brightest (option c).