Question

The mean distance between the sun and the earth in terms of light years is

• A. 48.311 minutes
• B. 28.311 minutes
• C. 18.311 minutes
• D. 8.311 minutes

Hint:

The distance between the Sun and the Earth can be expressed as the time light takes to travel that distance, since light moves at a constant speed of about \(3 \times 10^{8}\) m/s.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Set up the idea.
We express the Sun to Earth distance as the time light takes to cover it, because light has a fixed speed.

Step 2: Note the data.
Distance \(d \approx 1.496\times 10^{11}\) m and speed of light \(c \approx 3\times 10^{8}\) m/s.

Step 3: Find the time in seconds.
\[ t = \frac{d}{c} = \frac{1.496\times 10^{11}}{3\times 10^{8}} \approx 498.7\ \text{s} \]

Step 4: Change to minutes.
\[ t = \frac{498.7}{60} \approx 8.3\ \text{minutes} \]

Step 5: Compare with the choices.
The value closest to 8.3 minutes is 8.311 minutes.

Step 6: Conclude.
Light from the Sun reaches us in about 8.311 minutes.
\[ \boxed{8.311\ \text{minutes}} \]