Astronomers observe two main-sequence stars, Star A and Star B
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Modern Physics · Modern Physics
Problem
Astronomers observe two main-sequence stars, Star A and Star B. A spectrometer measures the peak wavelength of the continuous spectrum emitted by each star. For Star A the peak occurs at λpeak,A=550nm, while for Star B the peak occurs at λpeak,B=450nm. Previous studies have established Star A’s surface temperature as TA=5.30×103K. Assume each star behaves as an ideal blackbody.
(a) Determine the ratio TB/TA of the surface temperature of Star B to that of Star A. Show all reasoning.
(b) Calculate the numeric value of Star B’s surface temperature TB. Express your answer with an appropriate number of significant figures.
(c) Visible-light astronomers describe Star A as having a yellow-white hue. Describe qualitatively how the color of Star B would differ from that of Star A and explain the physical basis for this difference.