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Date November 2018 Marks available 2 Reference code 18N.3.SL.TZ0.12
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone 0 - no time zone
Command term Draw Question number 12 Adapted from N/A

Question

The surface temperature of the star Epsilon Indi is 4600 K.

Determine the peak wavelength of the radiation emitted by Epsilon Indi.

[1]
a.i.

Using the axis, draw the variation with wavelength of the intensity of the radiation emitted by Epsilon Indi.

[2]
a.ii.

The following data are available for the Sun.

Surface temperature  = 5800 K

Luminosity                  = L

Mass                          = M

Radius                       = R

Epsilon Indi has a radius of 0.73  R . Show that the luminosity of Epsilon Indi is 0.2  L .

[2]
a.iii.

Epsilon Indi is a main sequence star. Show that the mass of Epsilon Indi is 0.64  M .

 

[1]
b.

Describe how the chemical composition of a star may be determined.

 

[2]
c.

Describe the stages in the evolution of Epsilon Indi from the point when it leaves the main sequence until its final stable state.

[3]
d.

Markscheme

λ = « 2.9 × 10 3 4600 =» 630 «nm» ✔

a.i.

black body curve shape ✔

peaked at a value from range 600 to 660 nm ✔

a.ii.

L L = ( 0.73 R R ) 2 × ( 4600 5800 ) 4

L = 0.211  L

a.iii.

M = « 0.21 1 3.5 M =» 0.640  M

b.

Obtain «line» spectrum of star ✔

Compare to «laboratory» spectra of elements ✔

c.

red giant ✔

planetary nebula ✔

white dwarf ✔

d.

Examiners report

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

Syllabus sections

Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics) » D.2 – Stellar characteristics and stellar evolution
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Option D: Astrophysics » Option D: Astrophysics (Core topics)
Option D: Astrophysics

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