Mass-luminosity relation

Definition

The mass-luminosity relation describes the relationship between the mass of a star and its luminosity. Generally, more massive stars are significantly more luminous than less massive stars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The mass-luminosity relation applies primarily to main-sequence stars.
2. The relationship can be approximated by the formula L ∝ M^3.5, where L is luminosity and M is mass.
3. Massive stars burn their fuel more quickly, resulting in higher luminosity but shorter lifespans.
4. This relation helps astronomers estimate stellar masses based on their observed luminosity.
5. Binary star systems are often used to precisely measure stellar masses, validating the mass-luminosity relation.

Review Questions

Related terms

Main-Sequence Star:

A star that is fusing hydrogen into helium in its core and lies on the main sequence of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.

Luminosity:

The total amount of energy emitted by a star per unit time.

Binary Star System: A system where two stars orbit around a common center of mass, often used to determine stellar masses.