Why Cepheids Pulsate Flashcards
1
Q
Why do Cepheids Pulsate?
A
There is a lot of He+ in the star’s atmosphere and they constantly lose an electron each, so the star becomes more opaque and the effect of radiation pressure increases. The star expands, then cools, and the He++ turns into He+ and the star becomes more transparent. This is a dynamic equilibrium.
2
Q
What type of system do normal Stars run by?
A
A static equilibrium.
