How to Determine Energy Transfer Type in a Star from Density and Radius?

In summary, the question is how to determine whether a star has convective or radiative energy transfer based on its given density and radius. The necessary equations are equilibrium, continuity, and ideal gas, but the challenge lies in identifying the temperature gradient and applying it to determine the type of energy transfer. Additional data, such as the star's mass and age, may also be needed to make a conclusive determination.
  • #1
atomqwerty
94
0

Homework Statement



The statement is just this: For a given density p = p(r), being p==rho and r the radius of the star, how can I determinate whether the star has convective or radiative energy transfer?

Homework Equations



Equilibrium (1)
Continuity (2)
Ideal gas (3)
Schwarzschild criteria? (4)


The Attempt at a Solution



I calculate P(r) using (1) (and eventually (2) since p=p(r)). I write P=P(p) [remember p==rho] using (3). The problem is that I know two or three expressions for the temperature gradient, but they are valid only if the star is convective, radiative, etc. that is what I've been asked to decide.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
All stars have some degree of convective and and radiative energy transfer. Often one of them is negligible. To find out, you need to know the total mass of the star, and generally its evolutionary state (i.e. age).
 
  • #3
zhermes said:
All stars have some degree of convective and and radiative energy transfer. Often one of them is negligible. To find out, you need to know the total mass of the star, and generally its evolutionary state (i.e. age).

In most of the exercises that kind of data (numbers) are not provided. In one of them, it's given, for example, the density in terms of radius r, and with the only help of equations (1)-(3) I'm supossed to find out the temperature gradiente and, with it, the type of energy transfer in the star. Any clue? Thn
 

FAQ: How to Determine Energy Transfer Type in a Star from Density and Radius?

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