The Student Room Group

Definition of parsec, is this right?

If the exam asked me, what is the definition of parsec? (2 marks)

Do you honestly think this answer (below) will reap full marks? And is the definition 100% correct?
One parsec is the distance at which the mean radius of the Earth's orbit subtends an angle of one arc second.
Reply 1
It should get full marks but personally I would avoid using "Earth's orbit" without clarification. Use Astronomical Unit instead :smile:
Reply 2
All right, thanks. The definition below should be the best answer I hope as I've simplified it as much as possible but I hope it would not lose marks.

One parsec is the distance at which one AU would subtend an arc second.
Reply 3
Seems good to me :smile: To make it super clear to the examiner, perhaps say 'an angle of one arc second'. You never know how fussy they can be on the day.

Quick Reply

Latest