- #1
Physics Dad
- 55
- 1
- Homework Statement
- A star cluster forms with a total mass of 10[SUP]5[/SUP]M⊙. After 3Myr, the cluster emerges from its natal cloud, making it observable for the first time. The reason we can see the cluster is that the winds of the most massive stars (M>30M⊙) have punched a hole through the cloud. How many such stars do you expect there are in this cluster, given its total mass?
- Relevant Equations
- M[SUB]tot[/SUB]=ξ[SUB]0[/SUB]∫MΦ(M) dM (eq 1)
N=ξ[SUB]0[/SUB]∫Φ(M) dM (eq 2)
Assumptions:
1) The minimum stellar mass in this cluster is 0.1M⊙
2) The maximum stellar mass in this cluster is 150⊙
First calculate the local stellar density constant (ξ0) for this cluster using eq 1:
Having rearranged this equation and using the limits of the minimum and maximum stellar masses defined in the assumptions I get...
ξ0 ≅ 16000
Next using eq 2, the newly calculated constant and using the limits of 30M⊙ and 150M⊙ (to get the number of stellar objects in this mass range) I get the answer to be ≅ 100
I just wanted to check that this is the correct approach, the maths side of things I can handle.
All feedback greatly appreciated.
1) The minimum stellar mass in this cluster is 0.1M⊙
2) The maximum stellar mass in this cluster is 150⊙
First calculate the local stellar density constant (ξ0) for this cluster using eq 1:
Having rearranged this equation and using the limits of the minimum and maximum stellar masses defined in the assumptions I get...
ξ0 ≅ 16000
Next using eq 2, the newly calculated constant and using the limits of 30M⊙ and 150M⊙ (to get the number of stellar objects in this mass range) I get the answer to be ≅ 100
I just wanted to check that this is the correct approach, the maths side of things I can handle.
All feedback greatly appreciated.