Light from the star, Alpha Centauri, which is nearest to the earth after the sun, reaches the earth in A. 4.2 seconds B. 42 seconds C. 4.2 years D. 42 years

4.2 seconds
42 seconds
4.2 years
42 years

The correct answer is A. 4.2 seconds.

Alpha Centauri is the nearest star system to the Sun, at a distance of 4.37 light-years (4.1 x 1013 km; 2.5 x 1013 mi). It is a triple star system, consisting of three stars: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri. Alpha Centauri A and B are both similar to the Sun in size and mass, and orbit each other every 80 years. Proxima Centauri is a smaller, fainter star that is much closer to Alpha Centauri A and B than they are to each other.

The light from Alpha Centauri A takes 4.2 seconds to reach Earth. This means that if you were to look at Alpha Centauri A right now, you would be seeing it as it was 4.2 seconds ago.

The other options are incorrect. Option B is incorrect because it is too long. Option C is incorrect because it is too short. Option D is incorrect because it is the distance between Alpha Centauri and Earth, not the time it takes for light from Alpha Centauri to reach Earth.