The Structure of Stars
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHYS3007 | Physics and Astronomy | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PHYS3007
- School
- Physics and Astronomy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Outline Syllabus
1. Basic Properties: Mass, luminosity, effective temperature & radius; the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and its importance; spectra and chemical composition; binary stars.
2. Gravity: Gravity in spherically-symmetric objects; gravitational collapse & dynamical timescale; pressure and hydrostatic equilibrium; inequalities for the central pressure; virial theorem.
3. Kinetic Theory: Equation of state: gas pressure & electron pressure; ionisation and the mean molecular weight; inequality for central temperature; degeneracy and conditions for its onset; Chandrasekhar mass; radiation pressure.
4. Energy Production: Timescales of stellar evolution; Nuclear Reactions; Hydrogen burning: the p-p chain, CNO cycle; He burning: triple-alpha process; energy production rates; beyond He burning.
5. Energy Transport: Radiative transport; opacity; convection; Schwarzschild criterion.
6. Models of Stars: Equations of stellar structure: differential equations, constitutive relations, boundary conditions. The Vogt-Russell Theorem; theory of main sequence; mass-luminosity and mass-radius relations; main sequence lifetime.
7. The Evolution of Stars. Descriptive account of pre- and post-main sequence evolution for stars of different mass, and their ultimate remnants as white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes.
Target Students
Students on Parts I and II of Single honours Physics courses, BSc joint honours Physics and Philosophy course.
Classes
This module is based on a series of lectures in the autumn semester.
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Exam
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims at developing knowledge of the various physical processes occurring in stars of different types, and using this knowledge to build both mathematical models and qualitative physical understanding of stellar structure and evolution.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of the module, students will have enhanced their:
- A1 knowledge of most fundamental physical laws, principles and techniques
- A3 understanding of how the basic principles of physics are applied in a range of situations
- A4 knowledge of the primary mathematical methods for the analysis of physical problems
Intellectual Skills:
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- B1 apply theoretical ideas to the quantitative analysis of physical situations
- B3 apply techniques of problem solving
Professional/Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- C1 formulate problems in physics using appropriate mathematical language
Transferable/Key Skills:
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated their ability to:
- D1 develop appropriate strategies for study, including the use of library, human, and electronic sources of information