PHE-15: Astronomy and Astrophysics Exam
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Questions and Answers

Which equation correctly expresses the relationship between the radius (R) and the mass (M) of a star under the assumption of uniform density and hydrostatic equilibrium?

  • $R hickapprox (M)^{3/2}$
  • $R eq (M)^{1/3}$
  • $R eq (M)^{-1/3}$
  • $R hickapprox (M)^{-1/3}$ (correct)

What is the significance of deriving an expression for free-fall time in astrophysical contexts?

  • It calculates the speed of light in various celestial objects.
  • It estimates the time taken for a cloud to collapse due to gravitational force. (correct)
  • It predicts the behavior of stars in hydrostatic equilibrium.
  • It helps determine the temperature of collapsing gases.

How does a Quasar differ from a Radio galaxy?

  • Quasars reside in elliptical galaxies, while Radio galaxies are found in spiral galaxies.
  • Quasars are stationary, while Radio galaxies exhibit significant motion.
  • Quasars are primarily visible in the optical spectrum, while Radio galaxies are visible in the ultraviolet spectrum.
  • Quasars exhibit higher luminosity and are powered by supermassive black holes, while Radio galaxies are less luminous. (correct)

What does the calculation of the half-width of a spectral line at a given temperature reveal?

<p>It indicates the velocity dispersion of atoms in the gas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which physical constant is NOT directly used when calculating the half-width of a spectral line for H-atoms?

<p>Mass of the electron ($M_e$) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the Bolometric correction is necessary in astronomy?

<p>To account for differences in stellar temperatures affecting brightness. (A), To facilitate the comparison of objects with different energy outputs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the significance of the Hayashi line in the H-R diagram?

<p>It represents a stage in a star's evolution during which it contracts while remaining in hydrostatic equilibrium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Rayleigh's criterion specifically relate to in telescope operation?

<p>The angular separation at which two point sources are distinguishable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering a star made of a monoatomic gas, what does the Virial theorem suggest about the stable conditions in a star?

<p>The average potential energy is twice that of the average kinetic energy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a degenerate gas in terms of its physical state?

<p>A gas that exhibits negligible pressure due to extreme density. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of galaxy classification, which type of galaxies is classified as having a smooth and featureless appearance?

<p>Elliptical galaxies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of the expanding universe?

<p>Galaxies are moving away from each other, indicating the universe's expansion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What holds true about the magnitude limit of a 1.04 m telescope in the visible range?

<p>It can detect objects fainter than specific thresholds based on atmospheric conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Free-fall time

The free-fall time is the time it takes for a cloud of gas to collapse under its own gravity. It is calculated by dividing the initial radius of the cloud by the speed of free-fall, which is proportional to the square root of the gravitational acceleration.

Rotation curve of a galaxy

The rotation curve of a galaxy shows the velocity of stars and gas at various distances from the galactic center. A flat rotation curve indicates that the mass distribution in a galaxy extends far beyond what's visible in its visible light, suggesting the presence of dark matter.

Distinguish between a Quasar and a Radio galaxy

A quasar is a highly luminous and distant active galactic nucleus (AGN) that is thought to be powered by a supermassive black hole accreting matter. A radio galaxy is also an AGN, but it emits a strong jet of radio waves from its core. The key difference is the strength and direction of their radio emission.

Unified model for active galaxies

The unified model for active galaxies proposes that all AGNs, such as quasars, radio galaxies, and Seyfert galaxies, are fundamentally the same objects, but differ in their orientation with respect to the observer. The model explains the diverse range of AGN properties by considering the various angles at which we view the central black hole and its surrounding accretion disk and jets.

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Half-width of a spectral line

The half-width of a spectral line is a measure of the line's width at half its maximum intensity. It is related to the temperature of the gas emitting the line. The higher the temperature, the wider the line.

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Luminosity Ratio

The ratio of a star's luminosity to the Sun's luminosity. It depends on the star's mass, temperature, and size.

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Hubble's Galaxy Classification

A classification system for galaxies based on their visual shape, proposed by Edwin Hubble. It categorizes them into elliptical, spiral, and irregular galaxies.

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Bolometric Correction

The difference between a star's apparent magnitude (brightness as seen from Earth) and its absolute magnitude (brightness at a standard distance). It corrects for the effect of distance on observed brightness.

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Magnitude Limit of a Telescope

The faintest magnitude a telescope can detect. It depends on the telescope's diameter and light sensitivity.

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Solar Corona Temperature

The extremely high temperature of the Sun's outer atmosphere, millions of degrees Kelvin, is indicated by the presence of highly ionized atoms in the corona, which emit specific wavelengths of light.

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Hayashi Line

A line in the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram that represents the evolutionary path of protostars as they contract and increase in temperature. Stars above the line are in hydrostatic equilibrium, while those below are still contracting.

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Expanding Universe Evidence

The expansion of the universe is supported by the redshift of distant galaxies and the cosmic microwave background radiation, both indicating that galaxies are moving away from each other.

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CNO Cycle

The process in which hydrogen is fused into helium through a chain reaction involving carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, releasing energy. It's an important energy source for stars more massive than the Sun.

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Study Notes

PHE-15: ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS

  • Exam Details:
    • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Term-End Examination, December 2014
    • Physics
    • Time: 2 hours
    • Maximum Marks: 50
    • Note: Attempt all questions. Values of physical constants are provided at the end of the exam paper. Symbols have their usual meanings. Students can use non-programmable calculators or log tables.

Question 1:

  • Instructions: Attempt any five parts from the given options.
  • (a): Compare the luminosity of a main sequence star to the Sun if the main sequence star is 10 times more massive than the Sun.
  • (b): Sketch Hubble's scheme of galaxy classification.
  • (c): Define Bolometric correction. Explain why it is required.
  • (d): Determine the magnitude limit detectable with a 1.04 m telescope in the visible range.
  • (e): Explain what indicates the temperature of the solar corona is about 10⁶ K.
  • (f): Explain the significance of the Hayashi line in the H-R diagram.
  • (g): Provide two arguments supporting the expanding universe compared to the steady-state universe.
  • (h): Describe the complete CNO cycle nuclear reactions.

Question 2:

  • (a): Explain Rayleigh's criterion for the resolving limit of a telescope.
  • (b): Identify factors determining the resolving power of a telescope.
  • (c): Discuss how light-gathering power affects a telescope's resolving power.
  • (d): Calculate the resolving power of a 2-meter telescope for a wavelength of 500 nm (in arc-seconds).

Question 2 (Alternative):

  • Instructions: Explain the universal equatorial system of coordinates, using a diagram. Show the equatorial coordinates of the Sun at the summer and winter solstices.

Question 3:

  • Instructions: Starting with the equation of hydrostatic equilibrium and considering a monoatomic stellar gas, derive the Virial Theorem.
  • Alternative: Describe the nebular model used to explain the formation of the solar system. Discuss if the present angular momentum distribution in the solar system is consistent with the nebular model.

Question 4:

  • (a): Define a degenerate gas and explain how it is different from an ideal gas.
  • (b): Assuming a uniformly dense star in hydrostatic equilibrium, prove that R ∝ M⁻¹/³ (where R is the radius and M is the mass).
  • (c): Analyze the significance of the relationship between radius and mass in stellar structures.
  • (Alternative): Derive an expression for the free-fall time. Calculate the free-fall time of a collapsing cloud of neutral hydrogen with an initial number density of 10⁶ m⁻³ and discuss the rotational curve of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Question 5:

  • (a): Differentiate between a quasar and a radio galaxy.
  • (b): Assuming Hydrogen atoms to be the emitters, calculate the half-width of a spectral line with a wavelength of 580 nm and a temperature of 6 × 10⁵ K.
  • (Alternative): Explain the unified model for active galaxies.

Physical Constants (provided in the document):

  • Values of physical constants are listed in the document. These include constants for radius (R), mass (M), luminosity (L), Gravitational constant (G), Boltzmann constant (kb), mass of a proton (M), speed of light (c) and 1 parsec (pc).

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Description

This quiz covers concepts from the Astronomy and Astrophysics course, part of the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) program. Topics include stellar luminosity, galaxy classification, and the significance of the H-R diagram. Test your knowledge and understanding of key astrophysical principles and observations.

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