Stellar Spectral Classification Flashcards

1
Q

Order stellar spectra according to the strengths of their spectral lines

A
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2
Q

Identify the main physical property which distinguishes stars of different spectral types and describe how it gives rise to the patterns of spectral line strengths

A

Surface temp -
- cool stars dont have enough energy for electrons to sit at n=2 - most sit at ground state n=2
- star must be warm enough to have electrons sitting in n=2 to show balmer lines
- so most cool stars will have weak spectral
- warmer stars with electrons at n=2 can absorb red light
- hot stars electrons are almost all at n=2 they can absorb lots of red light
- hottest stars - hydrogen atoms might be completely ionizes/electrons waiting gin levels above n=2

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3
Q

Come up with your own mnemonic for remembering the sequence of stellar spectral types

A

Oll Bitches Are Fucking Gay Kill Me

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4
Q

Given two stellar spectra, identify which star is hotter

A
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5
Q

Discuss stellar masses in terms of the solar mass unit

A

They range from 0.08 to 150 Stellar mass units (Msun)

Most stars - small M and K red dwarfs are in the 0.08-0.5 stellar mass range

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6
Q

What do the luminosity classes tell us?

A

It tells us the range of luminosity - eg as you move down classes (5-1) the stars in these class have a shorter and shorter range of luminosity

Eg all class 1a super giants have the same luminosity

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7
Q

What are the luminosity classes

A

1 - supergiants
2 - bright giants
3 - giants
4 - sub giants
5 - main sequence

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