Question

Parsec is a unit of time?
(A) True
(B) False

Answer 1

Hint: Parsec is defined as the distance that one astronomical unit subtends an angle of one arc second. Therefore, it is a unit of distance. It is obtained by the use of parallax and trigonometry.

Complete answer:
The unit parsec is denoted as \[Pc\] and is used to denote large distances more evidently, it is a unit that determines the astronomical distances. As we know, this unit was probably given by Astronomer Herbert Hall Turner in the year 1913. As coined by the term portmanteau, by the astronomer, it meant parallax of one arc second.

The motive of this unit was to indicate large astronomical distances that were obtained from quick calculations from the raw facts obtained. Therefore, this unit is widely used in astronomy and astrophysics. Parsec indicates comparatively smaller distance within the Milky Way and for further larger distances, kilo parsec (\[KPc\]) is used.

More clearly the unit can be defined as the distance of the sun from any astronomical unit that has a parallax angle of one second. The value for \[1Par\sec \] corresponds to \[3.08567758149137 \times {10^{16}}meters\]. Thus, we can see how big value it holds.

This unit of distance is therefore used to calculate the distance between various astronomical objects. Time on the other hand has the SI unit of second \[(\sec )\]. Parsec can often thus be mistaken as a unit of time, denoting a larger value of second. However, this is not true.
Since parsec is a unit of distance and not time, the above given statement in the question Is false.

So, Correct option is (B).

Note: One arc second is a unit of angle measurement which corresponds to ${1/60}^{th}$ an arc minute. This is used to measure angle between various astronomical bodies and calculate their distances.