Question:

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

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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.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • 48.311 minutes
  • 28.311 minutes
  • 18.311 minutes
  • 8.311 minutes
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
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.

Step 1:
The mean Sun to Earth distance is about \(1.496 \times 10^{11}\) metres (one astronomical unit).

Step 2:
Time taken by light \(= \dfrac{\text{distance}}{\text{speed of light}} = \dfrac{1.496 \times 10^{11}}{3 \times 10^{8}} \approx 499\) seconds, which is about 8.3 minutes. So in light-travel-time units the distance is roughly 8.311 minutes.

Answer: Option (4) — 8.311 minutes.
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