Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Standard candles

Standard candles — practice question

(a(i))[2]

State the meaning of the luminosity of a star.

(a(ii))[3]

Explain how a standard candle in a distant galaxy can be used to find the galaxy’s distance from an observer.

(b(i))[2]

The Sun has a radius of $6.96 \times 10^{8}\,\text{m}$ and a surface temperature of $5780\,\text{K}$. Radiation from the Sun is observed to peak at a wavelength of $501\,\text{nm}$. Calculate the luminosity of the Sun. Include a unit in your answer.

(b(ii))[2]

A different star gives radiation with a peak intensity at a wavelength of $624\,\text{nm}$. Determine this star’s surface temperature.

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