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Figure 2 is a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 4
Question 3
Figure 2 is a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram. Figure 2 absolute magnitude 50,000 25,000 10,000 5,000 2,500 temperature / K giants ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 2 is a Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2019 - Paper 4
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Draw a line on the HR diagram to show the evolution of a star similar to the Sun from formation to white dwarf.
Answer
The evolutionary path should begin at the main sequence where the Sun resides. It will extend upwards as it becomes a red giant and then curve to the left as it sheds its outer layers, ultimately ending in the white dwarf region.
Step 4
Label with a P the position on the HR diagram of a star much redder, and with a greater power output, than the Sun.
Answer
The point labeled 'P' should be placed in the red giant region, indicating a star that has a cooler temperature but is more luminous. This star would be significantly to the right of the Sun on the HR diagram.
Step 5
Discuss whether supernovae and black holes can be placed on the HR diagram in Figure 2.
Answer
Supernovae cannot be directly placed on the HR diagram because they are transient events rather than the stable states of stars. They occur at the end of a massive star's lifecycle. Black holes, while also being evolutionary endpoints, do not have a defined position on the HR diagram since they are formed from supernova remnants, and their absolute magnitude is considered to be effectively zero as they emit no light.