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Difficulty: EasyAligning Data and Predictions with Viewpoints

Two students discuss the factors that determine the surface temperature of planets orbiting similar stars.

Student 1
A planet's surface temperature is determined solely by its distance from its host star. The closer a planet is to the star, the hotter its surface will be.

Student 2
A planet's surface temperature is determined solely by the thickness of its greenhouse gas atmosphere. The thicker the atmosphere, the hotter its surface will be, regardless of distance.

Match each of the following hypothetical observations of planets to the statement that best describes how the observation aligns with the students' viewpoints.

  • Planet X is closer to its star than Planet Y. Both planets have atmospheres of identical thickness. Planet X is found to be warmer than Planet Y.Consistent with Student 1's viewpoint, but contradicts Student 2's viewpoint.
  • Planet P is farther from its star than Planet Q. Planet P has a thicker atmosphere than Planet Q. Planet P is found to be warmer than Planet Q.Consistent with Student 2's viewpoint, but contradicts Student 1's viewpoint.
  • Planet M is closer to its star than Planet N. Planet M has a thicker atmosphere than Planet N. Planet M is found to be warmer than Planet N.Consistent with both Student 1's and Student 2's viewpoints.

Answer

Planet X being closer and warmer (with identical atmospheres) is consistent with Student 1 but contradicts Student 2. Planet P being farther and warmer (with a thicker atmosphere) is consistent with Student 2 but contradicts Student 1. Planet M being closer, having a thicker atmosphere, and being warmer is consistent with both Student 1 and Student 2.
Each observation is matched to the correct alignment statement by determining whether it satisfies or contradicts the individual rules proposed by Student 1 (closer is warmer) and Student 2 (thicker atmosphere is warmer).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the claims of Student 1 and Student 2.
Student 1 bases temperature purely on distance (closer is warmer). Student 2 bases temperature purely on atmosphere (thicker is warmer).
To match observations to viewpoints, we must first define what each viewpoint predicts.
2
Evaluate the first observation (Planet X closer, identical atmospheres, Planet X is warmer).
It follows Student 1's prediction (closer is warmer) but violates Student 2's prediction (identical atmospheres should mean identical temperatures). This matches the statement: 'Consistent with Student 1's viewpoint, but contradicts Student 2's viewpoint.'
Applying the predictions to Planet X and Planet Y.
3
Evaluate the second observation (Planet P farther, thicker atmosphere, Planet P is warmer).
It follows Student 2's prediction (thicker atmosphere is warmer) but violates Student 1's prediction (farther planet should be colder). This matches the statement: 'Consistent with Student 2's viewpoint, but contradicts Student 1's viewpoint.'
Applying the predictions to Planet P and Planet Q.
4
Evaluate the third observation (Planet M closer, thicker atmosphere, Planet M is warmer).
It follows Student 1's prediction (closer is warmer) and Student 2's prediction (thicker atmosphere is warmer). This matches the statement: 'Consistent with both Student 1's and Student 2's viewpoints.'
Applying the predictions to Planet M and Planet N.

Key Concept

Aligning experimental observations or hypothetical data with conflicting scientific models.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Aligning Data and Predictions with Viewpoints

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