Relationship between mass and surface temperature of a star

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between the mass and surface temperature of stars, specifically focusing on blue supergiants with a mass of 24 solar masses. Participants explore whether mass alone can determine surface temperature or if additional factors are necessary.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if there is a relationship between mass and temperature that could allow for the calculation of a blue supergiant's surface temperature.
  • Another participant suggests that factors such as the star's age and composition are necessary for accurate temperature estimation.
  • A participant proposes a formula, T = T(sol)*M^0.5, to estimate temperature, calculating a value of approximately 28,306 K for a 24 solar mass star.
  • Concerns are raised about the applicability of the formula for O class stars, noting that the calculated temperature falls outside the expected range for such stars.
  • One participant emphasizes the significance of spectral class and luminosity in determining surface temperature.
  • Another participant asserts that age, metal content, and other factors likely influence a star's temperature.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that there may be no relationship between mass and temperature for non-main sequence stars, implying that mass alone cannot be used for temperature calculations.
  • One participant speculates that there might be a correlation between brightness, magnitude, or luminosity and temperature, but expresses uncertainty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the relationship between mass and temperature, particularly for non-main sequence stars. There is no consensus on whether mass alone can determine surface temperature, and multiple competing views remain regarding the factors that influence temperature.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of spectral classes, the potential influence of various factors like age and metal content, and the unresolved applicability of the proposed formula for different types of stars.

jewfro420
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i was wondering if there is a relationship between mass and temperature that would allow me to calculate the surface temperature of a blue super giant of 24 solar masses?

or do i simply need more information to do this
 
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I think you would need to know things like age of the star, makeup of the star, and similar stuff.
 
jewfro420 said:
i was wondering if there is a relationship between mass and temperature that would allow me to calculate the surface temperature of a blue super giant of 24 solar masses?

or do i simply need more information to do this

It's roughly T = T(sol)*M0.5 with M in solar masses.
 
qraal said:
It's roughly T = T(sol)*M0.5 with M in solar masses.
By using T = 5,778 * 24^0.5
I get 28,306 K, which is slightly outside the 30,000 K - 52,000 K range for O class stars.
So either I didn't use it right, or it doesn't work for O class stars.

Probably what will be an important factor in determining surface temp is the spectral class (O B A F G K M), and luminosity.
 
24 solar masses is enormous. This is more than Rigel; it's looking like something like Alnitak. Which, by the way, is around 30K. Getting within 10% with a hand-wavy formula is pretty good.
 
Am I incorrect in thinking that age, metal content, and other various factors would affect the stars temp as well?
 
so basically i think that there is no relationship between mass and temperature for non main sequence stars so this can't be done. cheers for your help anyways
 
jewfro420 said:
so basically i think that there is no relationship between mass and temperature for non main sequence stars so this can't be done. cheers for your help anyways
There might be a correlation between brightness/magnitude/luminosity and temperature, but that's just my guess.
 

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