User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2015 Marks available 3 Reference code 15M.3.HL.TZ1.4
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Explain and State 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
Show 70 related questions

View options