How Do You Sketch the Continuum Radiation of a Star Moving Away at 1000 km/s?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves sketching the observed continuum radiation of a star with a surface temperature of 10000 K that is moving away from the observer at a speed of 1000 km/s. The focus is on the continuum emission in the 0.1 – 2.0 micron range, including identifying the wavelength of maximum intensity and the dynamic range of the emission.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to sketch the continuum radiation and questions whether to use electron transition equations. Some participants clarify that a blackbody graph is needed, while others emphasize the importance of considering the Doppler shift due to the star's recessional velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between blackbody radiation and the Doppler effect. There is recognition of the need to adjust for the Doppler shift, although one participant notes that the shift for the given speed is minimal. No consensus has been reached on the exact method for sketching the radiation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a lack of instructional support from the course, which may be affecting participants' confidence in approaching the problem. There is also a mention of terminology confusion regarding continuum radiation.

NIQ
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Hello all,

I am currently doing a 3rd year Astronomy and Astrophysics course and I am having some trouble with the current problem set (this is mainly because our teacher doesn't really teach us anything but that's another story).

This is the question in particular that is bothering me:
2) Let’s assume that Star A has surface temperature of 10000 K and moving away from us at 1000 km/s. First, draw (or sketch) its observed continuum radiation in the 0.1 – 2.0 micron range. Specify the wavelength where the continuum emission is most intense. What’s the dynamic range (=maximum/minimum) of the continuum emission in the given wavelength range?

I tried looking on the internet for continuum radiation (and later found that its also called braking radiation or Bremsstrahlung) but I could not find anything useful.

So I was wondering if anyone could give me a quick lesson on how I would sketch this continuum radiation in this range? Should I find a function using the electron transition equations?

I am really clueless here and any help would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick.
 
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Ok I see what he is asking now... he just wants the blackbody graph in this range.
 
NIQ said:
Ok I see what he is asking now... he just wants the blackbody graph in this range.

Right, but don't forget about the Doppler shift.

Find the curve for a 10000 k blackbody, and then make the shift to longer wavelengths that is appropriate for a source recessional velocity of 1000 km/s.
 
Yeah I remembered to do that, although the shift for 1000km/s is hardly noticeable anyways.
 

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