Do You Know Drake's Equation?

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  • 1/10 Questions

    What does Drake's equation try to estimate? 

    • The number of starts in the Milky Way
    • The number of planets in the Milky Way
    • The number of of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way
    • The number of galaxies similar to Milky Way
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About This Quiz

Are we alone in space? Well, that is the eternal question. Thanks to Drake's equation, we can predict the odds of meeting another intelligent civilization. But first, we need to know all about this equation. Are you ready to ace this quiz?

Do You Know Drakes Equation? - Quiz

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  • 2. 
    Which is the correct version of Drake's equation?  - ProProfs

    Which is the correct version of Drake's equation? 

    • L = R* • fp • ne • fl • fi • fc •N

    • N = R* • fp • ne • fl

    • N = R* • fp • ne • fl • fi • fc

    • N = R* • fp • ne • fl • fi • fc • L

    Correct Answer
    A. N = R* • fp • ne • fl • fi • fc • L
    Explanation
    The correct version of Drake's equation is N = R* • fp • ne • fl • fi • fc • L. This version includes all the variables necessary to estimate the number of civilizations in our galaxy that could potentially communicate with us. The variables represent different factors such as the rate of star formation, the fraction of stars with planets, the number of habitable planets per star, the fraction of habitable planets where life actually develops, the fraction of developed life that evolves into intelligent civilizations, the fraction of civilizations that develop technology to communicate, and the length of time that civilizations are capable of communicating.

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  • 3. 
    What does "R*" in the equation stand for?  - ProProfs

    What does "R*" in the equation stand for? 

    • The average rate of star formations in our galaxy

    • The approximate number of stars in our galaxy

    • The number of uninhabited planted

    • The fraction of planets bearing life on which intelligent, civilized life, has developed

    Correct Answer
    A. The average rate of star formations in our galaxy
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "the average rate of star formations in our galaxy". The "R" in the equation represents the average rate at which stars are formed in our galaxy. This implies that the equation is related to the process of star formation and not any other factors such as the number of stars, uninhabited planets, or the fraction of planets with intelligent life.

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  • 4. 
    What does the L variable stand for? - ProProfs

    What does the L variable stand for?

    • The length of time for which civilizations release detectable signals into space

    • The fraction of life bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges

    • The fraction of those stars with planetary systems

    • The rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life

    Correct Answer
    A. The length of time for which civilizations release detectable signals into space
    Explanation
    The L variable stands for the length of time for which civilizations release detectable signals into space. This means that L represents the duration during which a civilization is actively transmitting signals that can be detected by others in space. This variable is important in the context of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, as it helps estimate the likelihood of detecting signals from other civilizations based on how long they are actively transmitting them.

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  • 5. 
    What is Drake's equation actually?  - ProProfs

    What is Drake's equation actually? 

    • A probabilistic argument

    • A model theory

    • An axiom

    • A theorem

    Correct Answer
    A. A probabilistic argument
    Explanation
    Drake's equation is commonly referred to as a probabilistic argument because it uses a series of variables and estimates to calculate the potential number of extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy. It takes into account factors such as the rate of star formation, the fraction of stars with planets, the likelihood of planets supporting life, and the probability of intelligent life developing. The equation does not provide a definitive answer but instead offers a framework for estimating the existence of extraterrestrial life based on probabilities.

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  • 6. 
    Who created this equation?  - ProProfs

    Who created this equation? 

    • Dr John Drake

    • Dr Drake Francis

    • Dr Frank Drake

    • Dr James Drake

    Correct Answer
    A. Dr Frank Drake
    Explanation
    Dr Frank Drake is the creator of this equation.

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  • 7. 
    Why is the equation challenging for scientists?  - ProProfs

    Why is the equation challenging for scientists? 

    • The number of stars is a constantly changing number.

    • The number of life-suitable planets is always changing.

    • The scientists have no firm numbers of any variable.

    • The signals civilizations release into the space isn't detectable.

    Correct Answer
    A. The scientists have no firm numbers of any variable.
    Explanation
    The equation is challenging for scientists because they do not have any definite or fixed numbers for any of the variables involved. This means that they cannot accurately determine the values or quantities needed to solve the equation.

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  • 8. 
    Which parameter states the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life?  - ProProfs

    Which parameter states the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life? 

    • Fi

    • Fp

    • Fc

    • L

    Correct Answer
    A. Fi
    Explanation
    The parameter "fi" states the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life. This means that fi represents the proportion of planets that have life and eventually evolve to have intelligent beings.

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  • 9. 
    What's another definition of Drake's equation?  - ProProfs

    What's another definition of Drake's equation? 

    • It's an equation that calculates how many times intelligent civilizations have tried to contact us

    • It's an equation that predicts the number of potential extraterrestrial contacts

    • It's an equation that calculates the odds of finding intelligent life in the universe.

    • It's an equation that calculates the exact number of intelligent civilizations in the universe

    Correct Answer
    A. It's an equation that calculates the odds of finding intelligent life in the universe.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "It's an equation that calculates the odds of finding intelligent life in the universe." This explanation is supported by the fact that Drake's equation is a mathematical formula used to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. It takes into account various factors such as the rate of star formation, the fraction of stars with planets, the number of habitable planets per star, and the average lifetime of a technologically advanced civilization. By calculating these probabilities, the equation provides an estimate of the likelihood of finding intelligent life in the universe.

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  • 10. 
    Who proposed the revised equation that focuses on the search for planets with biosignature gases?  - ProProfs

    Who proposed the revised equation that focuses on the search for planets with biosignature gases? 

    • Alexander Zaitsev

    • Harlow Shapley

    • Astronomer Sara Seager

    • Dr Drake himself

    Correct Answer
    A. Astronomer Sara Seager
    Explanation
    Astronomer Sara Seager proposed the revised equation that focuses on the search for planets with biosignature gases.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 08, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    EnidaK09
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