Question about Hertzsprung-Russell-diagram

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In summary, a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is a graph that displays the relationship between a star's luminosity and surface temperature. It is used to classify and study different types of stars and their evolutionary stages. The diagram is constructed by plotting data points for different stars and connecting them to form a curve, which can reveal patterns and trends. From a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, we can learn about a star's temperature, luminosity, size, and evolutionary stage, as well as compare different types of stars. However, the diagram has limitations as it only shows the relationship between luminosity and temperature and does not provide information about a star's age or composition. Additionally, the data used to create the diagram may
  • #1
Meerio
16
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Why can you read out the radii of the stars by knowing their temperature and luminosity?
Can't make sense out of it.
 

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  • #2
The Stefan-Boltzmann equation tells you the amount of radiation emitted from a unit area of the star as a function of temperature. The total luminosity is then given by just summing this over the surface area of the star, so:

[tex] L = \sigma T^4 * 4 \pi R^2[/tex]

So if you know L and T, you can calculate R.
 
  • #3
wow that was easy thanks!
 

What is a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

A Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is a graph that plots the luminosity (or brightness) of stars against their surface temperature. It is used to classify and study different types of stars and their evolutionary stages.

What is the purpose of a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

The purpose of a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is to show the relationship between a star's luminosity and surface temperature. This can provide valuable information about a star's size, composition, and evolutionary stage.

How is a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram constructed?

A Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is constructed by plotting data points for different stars, with their luminosity on the vertical axis and surface temperature on the horizontal axis. These data points are then connected to form a smooth curve, which can reveal patterns and trends in the data.

What can we learn from a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

From a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, we can learn about a star's temperature, luminosity, size, and evolutionary stage. We can also use the diagram to compare different types of stars and study their relationships.

What are the limitations of a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

A Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is limited in that it only shows the relationship between a star's luminosity and surface temperature. It does not provide information about a star's age, composition, or other properties. Additionally, the diagram is based on observational data, which may not be accurate for all stars.

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