How is Luminosity Converted to Distance in Binary Star Period Calculation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conversion of luminosity (L) to distance (d) in binary star period calculations, specifically using the formula m = -2.5log10L + C. The transformation for a single star is derived as m' = m + 0.75, where δm = 2.5log10(2) ≈ 0.75. This relationship is grounded in the inverse square law of radiation intensity, which states that doubling the distance to a star results in a quarter of its radiation intensity. Understanding these calculations is essential for accurate distance measurements in astrophysics.

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  • Understanding of astronomical luminosity and magnitude
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their applications
  • Knowledge of the inverse square law in physics
  • Basic concepts of binary star systems
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The problem is attached, and the official answer is given.
The step in the answer does not make a lot of sense to me.
How does the luminosity L converted directly into distance d, and why is the solar distance is used?
And where does the dm=0.75 come from.
It's just not making sense to me...

Please expand and explain the steps in the answer a bit. Thank you.
 

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m for the binary system is

m = -2.5log10L + C

m' for a single star is

m' = -2.5log10(L/2) + C
m' = -2.5[log10L - log102] + C
m' = [-2.5log10L + C] + 2.5log102
m' = m + 2.5log102 = m + δm

δm = 2.5log102 = 0.752575... ≈ 0.75
 
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The relation between magnitude and distance comes from the inverse square law for the radiation intensity. If you double the distance to a star than its radiation intensity drops to (1/2)2 = 1/4 and so forth so if you know the apparent magnitude you can figure the distance.
 

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