26.1 The Sun
26.2 Stars
26.3 Life Cycles of Stars
26.4 Groups of Stars
26.5 The Expanding Universe
Can You Tell How Bright a Light Really Is?
Procedure
Work in groups of three or four. Obtain two flashlights, one brighter than the other.
Predicting If the dimmer flashlight moves close enough to you, will it appear brighter than the other flashlight? Record your prediction.
Darken the room. Have two group members stand side by side about 3 meters from the rest of your group. Each one should shine a flashlight at the group.
Direct the person with the dimmer flashlight to slowly move closer to the group, keeping the flashlight level.
Think About It
Observing Was your prediction correct?
Drawing Conclusions How does the distance from you to a light affect how bright the light appears to you?
Applying Concepts If one star appears to be brighter than another star, can you tell which one is actually brighter just by looking at them? Explain your answer.