An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 10.23

The Sun — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · eddington-luminosity

Problem

(a) Estimate the Eddington luminosity of a

0.072\,\mathrm{M}_\odot

star and compare your answer to the main-sequence luminosity given in Problem 10.21. Assume

\bar{\kappa} = 0.001

^2

^{-1}

. Is radiation pressure likely to be significant in the stability of a low-mass main-sequence star? (b) If a

120\,\mathrm{M}_\odot

star forms with

\log_{10} T_e = 4.727

and

\log_{10}(L/L_\odot) = 6.252

, estimate its Eddington luminosity, assuming the opacity is due to electron scattering. Compare your answer with the actual luminosity of the star.