| Date | May 2015 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 15M.3.HL.TZ1.4 |
| Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
| Command term | Identify | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
This question is about the mass–luminosity relation.
Star X is 1.5×105 more luminous than the Sun and has a mass 30 times that of the Sun.
Identify whether star X is on the main sequence. Assume that n = 3.5 in the mass–luminosity relation.
[2]
a.
(i) State the evolution of star X.
(ii) Explain the eventual fate of star X.
[3]
b.
Markscheme
luminosity=303.5×148 000 (times the luminosity of the Sun) or
mass=(1.5×105)3.5=30 (times the mass of the Sun);
(this is close to the quoted luminosity/mass and) so X must be on the main sequence;
a.
(i) red (super)giant goes supernova with core remaining;
(ii) Oppenheimer–Volkoff/mass of remnant will determine final fate;
(to give) neutron star/black hole;
b.
Examiners report
[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
Syllabus sections
Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics) » D.2 – Stellar characteristics and stellar evolution
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