Astronomy homework question - stars emitting in infrared

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining which object emits more intense infrared radiation among the Earth, the Sun, a star the same size as the Sun but five times hotter, and a star double the size of the Sun but half as hot. The key concepts involved are the Stefan-Boltzmann Law and Wien's Displacement Law, which are essential for analyzing thermal radiation. The consensus leans towards the hotter star (option 3) emitting more intense radiation overall, despite the lower temperature of the larger star (option 4) emitting more in the infrared spectrum. Clear calculations using these laws will provide definitive answers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Stefan-Boltzmann Law
  • Familiarity with Wien's Displacement Law
  • Basic knowledge of thermal radiation concepts
  • Ability to perform calculations involving temperature and size of stars
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Stefan-Boltzmann Law and its application in astrophysics
  • Explore Wien's Displacement Law for understanding peak emission wavelengths
  • Research the concept of blackbody radiation and its significance in astronomy
  • Practice calculations comparing thermal emissions of different celestial objects
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in introductory astronomy courses, educators teaching thermal radiation concepts, and anyone interested in the comparative analysis of stellar emissions.

akela
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Astronomy homework question -- stars emitting in infrared

Dear All,

Hello! This is my first post. I am taking a distribution introductory astronomy course (low on math) and am having trouble with this question:

Which object emits more intense infrared radiation:
_ the Earth
_ the Sun
_ a star that is the same size as the Sun but five times hotter.
_ a star that is double the size of the Sun but half as hot.



I cannot decide between options 3 and 4. On the one hand, a star that is half as hot as the Sun emits mostly in infrared. On the other, a hotter star emits more across the whole spectrum. My gut instinct is to go with 3, but I am just not sure. Would using the Stefan-Boltzmann and Wien formulas be helpful?

Thanks in advance,

Akela
 
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Since this is not an astronomy forum, you should post all equations you think may be relevant, explaining the meanings of the symbols. Many who would be able to help are not going to take the time to research that.
 

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