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Date May 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17M.3.SL.TZ1.9
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone 1
Command term Discuss 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
Radius R = 13R
Apparent brightness b = 4 × 10–11 b  

 

where L , R  and b  are the luminosity, radius and apparent brightness of the Sun.

State what is meant by a main sequence star.

[1]
a.i.

Show that the mass of Theta 1 Orionis is about 40 solar masses.

[1]
a.ii.

The surface temperature of the Sun is about 6000 K. Estimate the surface temperature of Theta 1 Orionis.

[2]
a.iii.

Determine the distance of Theta 1 Orionis in AU.

[2]
a.iv.

Discuss how Theta 1 Orionis does not collapse under its own weight.

[2]
b.

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.

[3]
c.

Markscheme

stars fusing hydrogen «into helium»

[1 mark]

a.i.

M = M ( 4 × 10 5 ) 1 3.5 = 39.86 M

« M 40 M »

 

Accept reverse working.

[1 mark]

a.ii.

4 × 10 5 = 13 2 × T 4 6000 4

T 42 000  «K»

 

Accept use of substituted values into L = σ 4 π R2T4.

Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

[2 marks]

a.iii.

4 × 10 11 = 4 × 10 5 × 1 A U 2 d 2

d = 1 × 10 8  «AU»

 

Accept use of correct values into b = L 4 π d 2 .

[2 marks]

a.iv.

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]

b.

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]

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.
[N/A]
a.iii.
[N/A]
a.iv.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics) » D.1 – Stellar quantities
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Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics)
Option D: Astrophysics

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