Change in apparent magnitude of a star after exploding

Click For Summary
Finding the apparent magnitude of a star before its explosion is straightforward, calculated using the formula m = M + 5log(d/10), resulting in a value of 29.19. After the star explodes as a supernova and becomes one billion times brighter, the change in apparent magnitude can be determined using the equation -2.5log(10^9). This formula arises from the definition of absolute magnitude, M = -2.5 log(L/L0), where L increases significantly due to the explosion. Consequently, the apparent magnitude changes to -22.5 after the explosion. Understanding these calculations is crucial for accurately assessing stellar brightness changes.
MatinSAR
Messages
673
Reaction score
204
Homework Statement
The absolute magnitude of a star in the Andromeda galaxy (distance 690 kpc) is M=5. It explodes as a supernova, becoming one billion (10^9) times brighter. What is its apparent magnitude?
Relevant Equations
Absolute and appaarent magnitude.
Finding the apparent magnitude before the explosion is straightforward and easy.$$m= M + 5log(\dfrac {d}{10}) = 29.19$$ Idk how to find it after explosion ... The change in apparent magnitude should be calculated using ##-2.5log(10^9)## , Idk why this formula is true and where it came from ...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MatinSAR said:
Homework Statement: The absolute magnitude of a star in the Andromeda galaxy (distance 690 kpc) is M=5. It explodes as a supernova, becoming one billion (10^9) times brighter. What is its apparent magnitude?
Relevant Equations: Absolute and appaarent magnitude.

Finding the apparent magnitude before the explosion is straightforward and easy.$$m= M + 5log(\dfrac {d}{10}) = 29.19$$ Idk how to find it after explosion ... The change in apparent magnitude should be calculated using ##-2.5log(10^9)## , Idk why this formula is true and where it came from ...
I see a matching formula at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_magnitude#Bolometric_magnitude
 
Absolute magnitude is defined as ##M = -2.5 \log(L/L_0)##. If your object becomes ##10^9## brighter, that means ##L## increases by a factor ##10^9## and therefore ##M## changes by ##-2.5\log(10^9) = - 2.5\cdot 9 = - 22.5##
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes MatinSAR and SammyS
haruspex said:
Thank you for your time.
Orodruin said:
Absolute magnitude is defined as ##M = -2.5 \log(L/L_0)##. If your object becomes ##10^9## brighter, that means ##L## increases by a factor ##10^9## and therefore ##M## increases by ##-2.5\log(10^9) = - 2.5\cdot 9 = - 22.5##
Thank you for your clear explanation.
 
Thread 'Correct statement about size of wire to produce larger extension'
The answer is (B) but I don't really understand why. Based on formula of Young Modulus: $$x=\frac{FL}{AE}$$ The second wire made of the same material so it means they have same Young Modulus. Larger extension means larger value of ##x## so to get larger value of ##x## we can increase ##F## and ##L## and decrease ##A## I am not sure whether there is change in ##F## for first and second wire so I will just assume ##F## does not change. It leaves (B) and (C) as possible options so why is (C)...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K