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Which of the following properties can be inferred from the star’s orbital period?

A) Surface temperature
B) Distance from Earth
C) Mass
D) Luminosity

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The star's orbital period can help determine its mass, but not other properties like surface temperature, distance from Earth, and luminosity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The star's orbital period can provide information about its mass. According to Kepler's third law of planetary motion, the orbital period of a star is related to its distance from the center of mass of the system and the total mass of the system. By measuring the orbital period, astronomers can determine the mass of the star.

However, other properties like surface temperature, distance from Earth, and luminosity cannot be directly inferred from the star's orbital period. These properties require additional measurements and observations.