Explorations an Introduction to Astronomy          Thomas T. Arny Instructor Resources

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Chapter Images

Chapter 12, Figure 6

Figure 12.6

The Stefan-Boltzmann law can be used to find a star's radius. (a) Each part of its surface radiates sT⁴. (b) Multiplying sT⁴ by the star's surface area (4pR²) shows that its total power output—its luminosity, L—is 4pR² sT⁴. To find the star's radius, we solve this equation to get R5œLyw(4wpwswTw4)w.  Finally, we use this equation and measured values of the star's L and T to evaluate R.

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