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samblue
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[SOLVED] Apparent magnitude of binary star?
A binary star has a total apparent magnitude of 15.00. One component star is twice as bright as the other.
a) Show that the apparent magnitude of the brighter star is 15.44.
b) The fainter star has an apparent magnitude of 4.50 . How far away is this binary star system? Express your answer in kiloparsencs.
I think I should be using: m-M=5log10(D/10pc)
I have done a little research and know that a binary star system is two or more stars orbitting a center of mass. I am not sure how I link this with the question. It says one component star is twie as bright as the other but is this apparent or absolule magnitude?
Homework Statement
A binary star has a total apparent magnitude of 15.00. One component star is twice as bright as the other.
a) Show that the apparent magnitude of the brighter star is 15.44.
b) The fainter star has an apparent magnitude of 4.50 . How far away is this binary star system? Express your answer in kiloparsencs.
Homework Equations
I think I should be using: m-M=5log10(D/10pc)
The Attempt at a Solution
I have done a little research and know that a binary star system is two or more stars orbitting a center of mass. I am not sure how I link this with the question. It says one component star is twie as bright as the other but is this apparent or absolule magnitude?