Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Stellar radii

Stellar radii — practice question

(a)[1]

State what the luminosity of a star means.

(b(i))[2]

A star in the constellation Canis Maior is $8.14 \times 10^{16}\,\text{m}$ from Earth and has luminosity $9.86 \times 10^{27}\,\text{W}$. Its surface temperature is $9830\,\text{K}$. Calculate the radiant flux intensity of the star’s radiation as seen from Earth. Include a unit in your answer.

(b(ii))[2]

Determine the radius of this star.

(c)[3]

Explain how the surface temperature of a distant star may be found from the wavelength spectrum of the star’s light.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: the star’s total power output

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