Multiple choice

Directions: The question is a logical sequence of statements with a missing link, the location of which is shown parenthetically. From the five choices available you are required to choose the one which best fits the sequence logically.

In contrast to the early discoveries of exoplanets, we now find that less than 1 in 5 exoplanets are to be found very close to their stars, a few orbiting with a period of 5 to 50 days (______). This supports the idea that they are formed at Jupiter-like distances from their host star. Dependent on the details of the early solar system, most giant planets probably spiral inwards towards their star until they reach a point where a lack of frictional forces stops their further migration.

  1. much closer to their host star than mercury is to our sun

  2. and a few others even more distant than Jupiter is to our sun

  3. while most others are almost at the edge of the host star's planetary system

  4. the majority having spherical orbits at Jupiter-like distances

  5. but most giant planets are orbiting at large distances from their host stars
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Going by POE we can deduce the answer. (1) is eliminated as we do not know if 'very close' justifies the distance between Mercury and the sun. (3) and (4) are not related to the concept being discussed here, hence, eliminated. (5) can be inferred as the next sentence supports the expression 'Jupiter like distance'.

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