Which graph shows the light curve for a typical type 1a supernova? Tick (✓) one box - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 4

To determine if the type 1a supernova in Andromeda can be observed from Earth, we use the distance modulus formula:

$m - M = 5 imes ext{log}(d) - 5$

Where $m$ is the apparent magnitude, $M$ is the absolute magnitude, and $d$ is the distance in parsecs.

Given:

• Distance to Andromeda, $d = 7.7 imes 10^6$ pc
• Absolute magnitude for a type 1a supernova is typically around $M hickapprox -19.3$.

Substituting into the distance modulus formula, we have:

$m = -19.3 + 5 imes ext{log}(7.7 imes 10^6) + 5$

Calculating the second term:
$5 imes ext{log}(7.7 imes 10^6) hickapprox 5 imes 6.886 hickapprox 34.43$

Thus,
$m hickapprox -19.3 + 34.43 - 5 = 10.13$

Since the apparent magnitude of the supernova is approximately 10.13, which is brighter than the threshold for visibility to the naked eye (approximately 6), it can be concluded that the type 1a supernova could indeed be observed from Earth without any telescopic aid.