Table 2 gives data about the supergiant star Melnick 34 and the Sun. Table 2 Name Radius / m Surface temperature / K Melnick 34 1.4 × 10^10 53 000 Sun 7.0 × 10^8 5 700 4.1 Calculate power output of Melnick 34 power output of the Sun. answer = _____________ 4.2 Discuss why the evolution of a supergiant star in the local part of our galaxy could be dangerous for life on Earth.

A-Level AQA Physics Classification of Stars: Table 2 gives data about the sup

Table 2 gives data about the supergiant star Melnick 34 and the Sun - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 4

Question 4

Table 2 gives data about the supergiant star Melnick 34 and the Sun. Table 2 Name Radius / m Surface temperature / K Melnick 34 1.4 × 10^10 53 000 Sun 7.0 × 10^8... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Table 2 gives data about the supergiant star Melnick 34 and the Sun - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 4

Step 1

4.1 Calculate power output of Melnick 34 / power output of the Sun.

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Answer

To calculate the power output of Melnick 34 relative to the Sun, we can use the Stefan-Boltzmann law, given by the formula:

$P = ext{A} imes ext{σ} imes T^4$

Where:

$P$ is the power output
$ext{A}$ is the surface area, which can be calculated as $A = 4 ext{π}R^2$
$ext{σ}$ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant (approximately $5.67 × 10^{-8} ext{W m}^{-2} ext{K}^{-4}$ )
$T$ is the surface temperature in Kelvin.

For Melnick 34:

$A_{Melnick34} = 4 ext{π}(1.4 × 10^{10})^2$

For the Sun:

$A_{Sun} = 4 ext{π}(7.0 × 10^8)^2$

Next, the power outputs can be simplified to their ratio:

$\text{Ratio} = \frac{(1.4 × 10^{10})^2 (53000)^4}{(7.0 × 10^8)^2 (5700)^4}$

Calculating this ratio gives the answer, which can be further simplified mathematically.

Step 2

4.2 Discuss why the evolution of a supergiant star in the local part of our galaxy could be dangerous for life on Earth.

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Answer

The evolution of a supergiant star, such as Melnick 34, poses significant risks for life on Earth due to its potential to undergo catastrophic events.

Supernova Collapse: When a supergiant star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it is likely to undergo a supernova collapse. This explosive event releases vast amounts of energy and can be lethal to any nearby celestial bodies, potentially affecting Earth.
Gamma Ray Bursts: A supernova can also eject material that forms a neutron star or black hole, resulting in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). These bursts radiate intense gamma rays that can kill cells and damage DNA, thereby threatening all forms of life on Earth.
High Radiation: The radiation emitted during these explosions is highly collimated, meaning it can create concentrated beams of radiation that cause significant ecological and biological damage.

These evolutionary paths highlight the need for understanding the life cycles of massive stars and their impact on surrounding environments.

Table 2 gives data about the supergiant star Melnick 34 and the Sun - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 4

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Table 2 gives data about the supergiant star Melnick 34 and the Sun - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 4

4.1 Calculate power output of Melnick 34 / power output of the Sun.

4.2 Discuss why the evolution of a supergiant star in the local part of our galaxy could be dangerous for life on Earth.

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