Having trouble with eclipsing binaries.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to an eclipsing binary star system, specifically focusing on calculating various properties such as apparent magnitude, separation of the stars, distance to the system, and absolute magnitude. The context is a science competition, and participants are seeking assistance in solving the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving an eclipsing binary system with specific parameters for two stars, Q and R, and seeks help in deriving answers for several questions.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the problem, particularly regarding the apparent magnitude of star Q, indicating a lack of understanding of the information provided.
  • A third participant corrects their earlier statement, clarifying that they meant to inquire about the apparent magnitude of star Q instead of star R.
  • A fourth participant mentions struggling to arrive at the answers despite having basic equations, suggesting a potential gap in understanding or application of the relevant concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express frustration and confusion regarding the problem, indicating that there is no consensus on how to approach or solve the questions posed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed methodologies or equations they are using, which may limit the ability to arrive at the correct answers. There is also uncertainty regarding the classification of the stars as main sequence or not, which could affect the calculations.

Soylentgreen
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I have been looking at this problem for a while and i am really getting frustrated. This is for science olympiad... it isn't graded, but i want to learn how to do it.

Here it is. I have an eclipsing binary system with a period of 1 year. Star Q has 800 solar luminosities, while the other star, star R, has 5 solar luminosities.
the radius of star R is 1,000,000 km, and it is .75 solar masses. Its apparent magnitude is 11.6.
It does not say whether or not the stars are main sequence.

a) what is the apparent magnitude of star R?
b) what is the separation of the two stars in km
c) what is the distance to the star system in parsecs.
d) what is the absolute magniude of star R.the answer for the above questions are as follows:
a) 5.8-6.3
b) 7-8x 10^9 km
c) 470-530 parsecs
d) 2.8-3.4

i have the answers but i don't know how to get to them and i have been trying for over an hour and a half. please help someone!
 
Last edited:
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Well, I don't understand this problem.

Soylentgreen said:
I have been looking at this problem for a while and i am really getting frustrated. This is for science olympiad... it isn't graded, but i want to learn how to do it.

Here it is. I have an eclipsing binary system with a period of 1 year. Star Q has 800 solar luminosities, while the other star, star R, has 5 solar luminosities.
the radius of star R is 1,000,000 km, and it is .75 solar masses. Its apparent magnitude is 11.6.It does not say whether or not the stars are main sequence.

a) what is the apparent magnitude of star R?

It says right there. I don't understand. :confused:
 
crap... i meant to say apparent magnitude of star Q. my bad
 
I can't seem to get those answers, no matter what I try. I only have a few basic equations though, but it should be enough. :confused:
 

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