DP Physics (last assessment 2024)

Test builder »

Question 19M.3.SL.TZ2.15d

Select a Test
Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.3.SL.TZ2.15d
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Calculate Question number d Adapted from N/A
d.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.3.SL.TZ2.15d

The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram shows several star types. The luminosity of the Sun is L.

(d)

During its evolution, the Sun is likely to be a red giant of surface temperature 3000 K and luminosity 104 L. Later it is likely to be a white dwarf of surface temperature 10 000 K and luminosity 10-4 L. Calculate the  radius of the Sun as a white dwarf radius of the Sun as a red giant .

[2]

Markscheme

Examiners report

Calculating the ratio of the radius of a white dwarf to a red giant star was done quite well by most candidates. However quite a few candidates made POT errors or forgot to take the final square root.