The equation for the luminosity of a star in terms of its surface temperature is L = (surface area)σT⁴,where σ is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant.This suggests that,when a plot is made of luminosities versus temperature:
A) stars of the same temperature but different radii should occupy different points on the plot.
B) all stars should plot along the line.
C) larger stars must have higher temperatures.
D) smaller stars must have higher temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equation shows that the luminosity depends on the surface area of the star in addition to its temperature. Therefore, stars with the same temperature but different radii will have different luminosities and occupy different points on the plot. This means that option A is the correct choice. Option B is incorrect because not all stars will plot along the same line. Option C and D are also incorrect because there is no direct relationship between the size of the star and its temperature.

The Equation for the Luminosity of a Star in Terms