Recent content by Johnboy

  1. J

    Where Should I Place My Telescope to Observe VY Canis Majoris?

    Other than the fact that the atmosphere is known to distort light from stars, but that seems too simple!
  2. J

    Where Should I Place My Telescope to Observe VY Canis Majoris?

    Haha I appreciate the humour, it has made doing this a bit more light-hearted! I have thought about this, but I can't think of a good reason why the telescope would need to be, for example, in space.
  3. J

    Where Should I Place My Telescope to Observe VY Canis Majoris?

    Homework Statement What type of location for a telescope would be needed in order to oserve the emissions of the dying VY Canis Majoris? The material is rich in dust and molecules that would vaporise around hotter stars and emits infrared radiation. Homework Equations N/A The...
  4. J

    Exploring the Proportionality of Luminosity & Mass in Stars

    Thank you for directing me to that page, where i noticed that the relationship does not apply with red giants.
  5. J

    Exploring the Proportionality of Luminosity & Mass in Stars

    Homework Statement Homework Equations L = M^3.5 The Attempt at a Solution Am I right in saying that this is the correct proportionality for luminosity and mass in a star? If it is, i am confused. In an example I have it states that when mass is doubled the luminosity...
  6. J

    What is the formula for calculating the lifetime of a star?

    Homework Statement I have to calculate the lifetime of a star that is 300,000 times as luminous as the sun and 24 solar masses. Homework Equations lifetime = k * m/l The Attempt at a Solution lifetime = 10^10 * (24/300000) lifetime = 800000 years I feel as if this is...
  7. J

    Energy Transfers: Understanding Scenario with Wind-Up Toy

    Thanks Bruce The thing is, I am confused as to what the energy conversion is when the toy is placed on the table. Is it chemical potential energy or gravitational potential energy? That is what is confusing me.
  8. J

    Energy Transfers: Understanding Scenario with Wind-Up Toy

    Homework Statement I am a little confused with energy transfers as the book I am reading is a little vague and I can't seem to find an answer to my question. I have to state the main energy transfers taking place in the following scenario: (i) A child picks up a wind-up toy (of the type...
  9. J

    Determining the density of a stellar object

    Thanks phyzguy, feel a bit stupid now!
  10. J

    Determining the density of a stellar object

    Homework Statement Hello all. I am new to physics but am quite competent in maths and other sciences. I am studying Open University's Exploring Science module and this one question has me stumped. I follow all of the instructions but always come to a completely improbable answer. The...
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