A classical Cepheid has an observed pulsation period

PHYSICS · Multi-part · Fermi University Physics · Astrophysics & Cosmology · Stellar structure, energy generation and evolution · Stellar structure, energy generation and evolution

Stars from the Inside, Ch Pulsating stars: the kappa mechanism, the Leavitt law and asteroseismology

Problem

A classical Cepheid has an observed pulsation period Π=9.8 d\Pi = 9.8\,\mathrm{d}, mass M=6.0 M⊙M = 6.0\,M_\odot and radius R=65 R⊙R = 65\,R_\odot. ((a)) Find the star's mean density relative to the Sun's, ρˉ/ρˉ⊙\bar\rho/\bar\rho_\odot. ((b)) Compute the star's pulsation constant Q=Πρˉ/ρˉ⊙Q = \Pi\sqrt{\bar\rho/\bar\rho_\odot}.

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