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4.9: Problems

  • Page ID
    141619
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    1. Assume that there is a star in which the energy is generated uniformly throughout the star (that is, ε = constant). In addition, the opacity is constant (i.e., electron scattering). Further assume that the star is in radiative and hydrostatic equilibrium. Show that 1-β is constant throughout the star and that it is a polytrope of index n = 3.
    2. Suppose that in a star, the only source of energy generation is radioactive decay, so the energy production per unit mass is constant and independent of density and temperature. Further suppose that the opacity is given by Kramer’s' law. Show that the structure of the star is described by a polytrope, and find the value of the polytropic index n.
    3. Compare the local value of the radiative gradient with the adiabatic gradient throughout the sun. Describe the regions of radiative and convective equilibrium in light of your results. What would you expect to be the effect on the radiative and convective zones of replacing 50 percent of the solar luminosity with an energy generation source which was more efficient?
    4. For a sphere in radiative equilibrium and STE, show that the radiation pressure is one third the energy density.
    5. Since the convective temperature gradient differs systematically from the adiabatic gradient, it is possible that the cumulative effect is significant when it is integrated over the entire convective zone. Examine this effect in the sun and decide whether it is significant.
    6. Use a stellar interiors code or existing models to find the variation of the fractional ionization of hydrogen and helium with depth in the sun.
    7. Use a stellar interiors code, or existing models to find the fraction by mass and radius within which (a) 20 percent, (b) 50 percent, (c) 90 percent, and (d) 99 percent of the sun's energy is generated.
    8. Repeat Problem 7 for a star of 10M.
    9. Repeat problem 7 but with Z = 10-8.
    10. Determine the relative importance of bound-bound transitions, bound-free transitions, and electron scattering as opacity sources in the sun.

    This page titled 4.9: Problems is shared under a Public Domain license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by George W. Collins II (Pachart Foundation) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.