Let's analyze the problem step-by-step to determine which quantity represents the amount of matter in the astronaut:
1. Understand the Quantities:
- Quantity A: Varies with the astronaut's location. It is 705.6 units on Earth and 1868.4 units on Jupiter.
- Quantity B: Remains constant at 72 units regardless of location (same on Earth and Jupiter).
2. Consider the Nature of the Quantities:
- Mass: The amount of matter in an object. Mass does not change with location; it remains constant regardless of the gravitational environment.
- Weight: The force exerted by gravity on an object. Weight is dependent on the gravitational pull of the object’s location, meaning it will vary from one celestial body to another. For example, weight is different on Earth and Jupiter due to their different gravitational pulls.
3. Determine Each Quantity:
- Quantity A changes with the astronaut's location, meaning it is affected by the varying gravitational pull. This suggests that Quantity A represents weight, not mass.
- Quantity B is independent of location, remaining constant at 72 units. This stability suggests that Quantity B represents mass.
4. Match the Options with the Correct Explanation:
- Quantity A, because it changes with gravitational pull: This is a valid statement, but it indicates weight, not the amount of matter.
- Quantity A, because it is proportional to mass: This is incorrect because proportionality to mass does not explain changes due to location-specific gravitational pull.
- Quantity B, because it is independent of the astronaut's location in space: This correctly explains that Quantity B represents the amount of matter (mass) since mass does not vary with location.
- Quantity B, because it is the gravitational pull exerted on the astronaut: This is incorrect because gravitational pull (weight) changes with location.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Quantity B, because it is independent of the astronaut's location in space.
