A compact pulsating subdwarf has a mean density

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 compact pulsating subdwarf has a mean density ρˉ=3.5×104 kg m−3\bar\rho = 3.5\times10^{4}\,\mathrm{kg\,m^{-3}}. Treat the star as a uniform sphere of ideal monatomic gas with Γ1=5/3\Gamma_1 = 5/3, and use the sound-crossing estimate Π≈3π/(2Γ1Gρˉ)\Pi \approx \sqrt{3\pi/(2\Gamma_1 G\bar\rho)} for the fundamental radial period. ((a)) Estimate the fundamental radial pulsation period in seconds. ((b)) Express the result in minutes.

Browse the problem library