Masses and ratios of steller objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a homework problem involving two stars with radial velocities of 5.4 and 22.4, and their associated light curves. The key parameters include a time period of 0.58 days between first contact and minimum light, a primary minimum length of 0.64 days, and apparent bolometric magnitudes of 5.4 (maximum), 9.2 (primary minimum), and 5.44 (secondary minimum). The confusion arises from the term "individual ratio," which was later clarified to refer to the radii of the stars instead of their mass ratios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radial velocity measurements in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with light curves and their interpretation
  • Knowledge of bolometric magnitudes and their significance
  • Basic concepts of stellar orbits, particularly circular orbits
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  • Research the calculation of stellar radii using light curve data
  • Learn about the relationship between radial velocity and mass in binary star systems
  • Explore methods for analyzing light curves in astrophysics
  • Study the implications of bolometric magnitudes in stellar classification
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Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and educators involved in stellar dynamics and light curve analysis will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


The question is really long, so I am going to summarize the information that I have for the problem. I have two stars with their radial velocities Star1= 5.4 and Star2 = 22.4. The time period between first contact and minimum light is .58 days, the length of primary minimum is 0.64 days, and the apparent bolometric magnitudes are: maximum = 5.4 primary minimum = 9.2 secondary minimum = 5.44 magnitudes. Assume circular orbit.

Find the individual ratio

What is an individual ratio? I just don't understand what it is asking for.


Homework Equations



not important for my question


The Attempt at a Solution



none, I don't understand the question. I understood when it asked for ratio of masses and individual masses, and the ratio of effective temperatures. I also have all the equations I will need.

Thanks, I hate it when the only part of an assignment that is too "hard" is trying to understand what it is asking
 
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I apologize, I was informed that that was a typo on the HW sheet, and it was actually asking for the radii and not the ratio.
 

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