Instructor solution key
Problems 1–4 are worth 25 points each. Award credit for correct reasoning, units, reproducibility, and interpretation; separate arithmetic slips from conceptual errors.
Expected approach: define the observable and model, substitute the shared constants or CSV values, preserve units, and test the stated assumption. Accept algebraically equivalent derivations when the physical interpretation is correct.
Key: The Kepler estimate gives M = 4.3941e+15 solar masses.
Expected approach: define the observable and model, substitute the shared constants or CSV values, preserve units, and test the stated assumption. Accept algebraically equivalent derivations when the physical interpretation is correct.
Key: The result must include a labeled plot, a sensitivity comparison, and a provenance statement. A numerical answer without those elements is incomplete.
Expected approach: define the observable and model, substitute the shared constants or CSV values, preserve units, and test the stated assumption. Accept algebraically equivalent derivations when the physical interpretation is correct.
Key: The result must include a labeled plot, a sensitivity comparison, and a provenance statement. A numerical answer without those elements is incomplete.
Expected approach: define the observable and model, substitute the shared constants or CSV values, preserve units, and test the stated assumption. Accept algebraically equivalent derivations when the physical interpretation is correct.
Key: The result must include a labeled plot, a sensitivity comparison, and a provenance statement. A numerical answer without those elements is incomplete.