Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 17M.3.SL.TZ1.9 |
Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
Command term | Estimate | Question number | 9 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Theta 1 Orionis is a main sequence star. The following data for Theta 1 Orionis are available.
Luminosity | L = 4 × 105 L\(_ \odot \) |
Radius | R = 13R\(_ \odot \) |
Apparent brightness | b = 4 × 10–11 b\(_ \odot \) |
where L\(_ \odot \), R\(_ \odot \) and b\(_ \odot \) are the luminosity, radius and apparent brightness of the Sun.
State what is meant by a main sequence star.
Show that the mass of Theta 1 Orionis is about 40 solar masses.
The surface temperature of the Sun is about 6000 K. Estimate the surface temperature of Theta 1 Orionis.
Determine the distance of Theta 1 Orionis in AU.
Discuss how Theta 1 Orionis does not collapse under its own weight.
The Sun and Theta 1 Orionis will eventually leave the main sequence. Compare and contrast the different stages in the evolution of the two stars.
Markscheme
stars fusing hydrogen «into helium»
[1 mark]
\(M = {M_ \odot }{\left( {4 \times {{10}^5}} \right)^{\frac{1}{{3.5}}}} = 39.86{M_ \odot }\)
«\(M \approx 40{M_ \odot }\)»
Accept reverse working.
[1 mark]
\(4 \times {10^5} = {13^2} \times \frac{{{T^4}}}{{{{6000}^4}}}\)
\(T \approx 42\,000\) «K»
Accept use of substituted values into \(L = \sigma \)4\(\pi \)R2T4.
Award [2] for a bald correct answer.
[2 marks]
\(4 \times {10^{ - 11}} = 4 \times {10^5} \times \frac{{1{\text{A}}{{\text{U}}^2}}}{{{d^2}}}\)
\(d = 1 \times {10^8}\) «AU»
Accept use of correct values into \(b = \frac{L}{{4\pi {d^2}}}\).
[2 marks]
the gravitation «pressure» is balanced by radiation «pressure»
that is created by the production of energy due to fusion in the core / OWTTE
Award [1 max] if pressure and force is inappropriately mixed in the answer.
Award [1 max] for unexplained "hydrostatic equilibrium is reached".
[2 marks]
the Sun will evolve to become a red giant whereas Theta 1 Orionis will become a red super giant
the Sun will explode as a planetary nebula whereas Theta 1 Orionis will explode as a supernova
the Sun will end up as a white dwarf whereas Theta 1 Orionis as a neutron star/black hole
[3 marks]