DP Physics (last assessment 2024)

Test builder »

Question 20N.3.HL.TZ0.e

Select a Test
Date November 2020 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 20N.3.HL.TZ0.e
Level HL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Compare Question number e Adapted from N/A
e.
[Maximum mark: 2]
20N.3.HL.TZ0.e

The data for the star Eta Aquilae A are given in the table.

L⊙ is the luminosity of the Sun and M⊙ is the mass of the Sun.

Eta Aquilae A was on the main sequence before it became a variable star. Compare, without calculation, the time Eta Aquilae A spent on the main sequence to the total time the Sun is likely to spend on the main sequence.

[2]

Markscheme

shorter time ✓

star more massive and mass related to luminosity
OR
star more massive and mass related to time in main sequence
OR
position on HR diagram to the left and above shows that will reach red giant region sooner ✓

Examiners report

Candidates showed clear ideas and were able to explain successfully why Eta Aquilae A lifetime as a main sequence star is much shorter than the one expected for the Sun.

Syllabus sections