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Physics in Focus HSC Course

Xiao L. Wu; Robert Farr

Chapter 25

Photometry: measuring starlight - all with Video Answers

Educators


Chapter Questions

Problem 1

Outline the difference between a star's absolute magnitude and its apparent magnitude, giving definitions where appropriate.

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00:40

Problem 2

Explain why a star with a larger apparent magnitude is in fact not as bright as a star with a smaller apparent magnitude.

Ian Maurer
Ian Maurer
Numerade Educator
01:21

Problem 3

A star has an apparent magnitude of +8.0 when the observer is $20.0 \mathrm{pc}$ away. When the observer is 2.0 pc away from the star, what will the star's apparent magnitude be?

Mitchel Vereen
Mitchel Vereen
Numerade Educator

Problem 4

Further to question 3 , calculate the star's absolute magnitude when the observer is $20.0 \mathrm{pc}$ and then calculate the star's absolute magnitude when the observer is $2.0 \mathrm{pc}$ away. Why are the two values equal?

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02:29

Problem 5

Calculate the brightness ratio of star ' $P$ ' (apparent magnitude +4.5 ) with star ' $Q$ ' (apparent magnitude +7.0 ).

Himanshu Kushwaha
Himanshu Kushwaha
Numerade Educator
00:27

Problem 6

Explain the purpose of obtaining the colour index of a star.

Mitchel Vereen
Mitchel Vereen
Numerade Educator
02:35

Problem 7

The magnitude of a star measured through a yellow (visual) filter is +12.5 . Given that it is known that this star has a surface temperature of $3500 \mathrm{~K}$, what would the magnitude of the star be when taken through a blue filter?

Dominador Tan
Dominador Tan
Numerade Educator
00:27

Problem 8

In point form, list reasons why photoelectric applications have largely replaced photographic methods for measuring and recording starlight.

Donald Albin
Donald Albin
Numerade Educator

Problem 9

Outline some applications of photometry.

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