Finding a constant of proportionality from a mass luminosity relation

In summary, the conversation discusses the mass-luminosity relation for main sequence stars, which can be approximated by L\proptoM^{3.5}. The constant of proportionality can be determined by substituting the values for luminosity and mass of the Sun, with the mass of the Sun measured in solar units. After some calculations, it is determined that the constant in solar units is 1, making life easier for further calculations.
  • #1
ppy
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Homework Statement



For main sequence stars, the mass–luminosity relation can be approximated by L[itex]\propto[/itex]M[itex]^{3.5}[/itex]
f) If luminosity and mass are both measured in solar units, what is the constant of
proportionality? {2}

I know that the luminosity value of the sun is 4x10[itex]^{26}[/itex]W and
M = 2x10[itex]^{30}[/itex] kg
 
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  • #2
The "solar units" thing is telling you that mass is measured in terms of the mass of the Sun - such and such a star is seven times the mass of the Sun; M=7. The mass of the Sun is 1.

Can you take it from there?
 
  • #3
Ibix said:
The "solar units" thing is telling you that mass is measured in terms of the mass of the Sun - such and such a star is seven times the mass of the Sun; M=7. The mass of the Sun is 1.

Can you take it from there?

as L[itex]\propto[/itex]M[itex]^{3.5}[/itex] this is the same as L=kM[itex]^{3.5}[/itex] so k=L/M[itex]^{3.5}[/itex] and do I just substitute in the values for the luminosity of the sun and the mass of the sun?
 
  • #5
hi as L for the sun is 4x10^26 and M for the sun is 2x10^30 as the M is to the power 3.5 surely the constant is 0 as the denominator is huge compared to the numerator.
 
  • #6
which doesn't make sense help!
 
  • #7
It can't be zero. It can be very small. You can use the fact that (ab)n=anbn to take powers of the 4 and the 1026 separately.

But before you do, read my first post again. What's the mass of the Sun measured in solar masses?
 
  • #8
we are not taking a power of (4x10^26) we are taking M=2x10^30 to the power 3.5 I know the mass of the sun is 1 in solar masses
 
  • #9
So in solar units the constant is...
 
  • #10
are you saying in solar units the constant is 1?
 
  • #11
Yes - well done. A smart choice of unit can make life a lot easier.
 
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Related to Finding a constant of proportionality from a mass luminosity relation

1. What is a mass luminosity relation?

A mass luminosity relation is a mathematical relationship between the mass and luminosity of a celestial object, such as a star. It describes how the mass of a star influences its brightness or luminosity.

2. Why is it important to find the constant of proportionality from a mass luminosity relation?

Finding the constant of proportionality allows us to accurately predict the luminosity of stars based on their mass. This is essential for understanding the physical properties and evolution of stars, as well as for studying the larger structures and processes in the universe.

3. How is the constant of proportionality determined?

The constant of proportionality is determined through observations and measurements of a large sample of stars. This data is then used to create a mass luminosity graph, which can be used to find the slope of the line and thus the constant of proportionality.

4. Are there different values for the constant of proportionality for different types of stars?

Yes, the constant of proportionality can vary depending on the type and age of the star. For example, younger and more massive stars tend to have a higher luminosity for a given mass compared to older and less massive stars.

5. How does the constant of proportionality help us understand the evolution of stars?

The constant of proportionality is a key factor in models of stellar evolution, as it helps us understand how a star's mass influences its luminosity and how this changes over time. By studying the constant of proportionality, we can gain insights into the life cycle of stars and how they evolve over billions of years.

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