Assignment 1 Problem
Each question carries 2.5 marks. Discussion among students allowed, but copying
from each other strictly prohibited.
If identical copies are found, all of those will be graded to 0.
Note: Meaning of a variable is same as we use in the class.
Due Date : 25 October, 2024 Marks: 10
1. Lane-Emden equation can be solved analytically for n = 0 and n = 1. Solve
these with appropriate boundary conditions. See Prob. 5.4 of ARC book. These
analytical solutions can be used to benchmark the numerical solution of Lane-Emden
equation.
2. The oldest white dwarfs were formed about 1010 years ago with initial temper-
atures of about 109 K. Determine the current temperature of an old white dwarf of
maximum mass 1.4 M⊙ , radius 7 × 106 m and age 1010 years. Assume for simplicity
that the density and temperature is constant throughout the star and its made of
up carbon. Also, assume the star cools by radiating its residual thermal energy as a
blackbody.
What is the current wavelength of maximum intensity of this “white” dwarf?
3. Suppose a star of total mass M and radius R has a density profile ρ = ρc (1−r/R),
where ρc is the central density.
a) Find M (r)
b) Express the total mass M as a function of ρc and R.
c) Solve for the pressure profile, P (r), with the boundary condition P (R) = 0.
4. Inside stars, we learnt that nuclear burning is the main source of energy. The
following exercise will show that gravitational energy release can exceed the nuclear
burning in some cases.
Consider the infall of one gram of hydrogen onto a star from very far away. Estimate
the gravitational energy release if the star is a neutron star of mass 1 M⊙ and radius
10 KM.
Now if this hydrogen is burnt to helium through PP1 chain, what will be the energy
release?
If the hydrogen falls onto the surface of the Sun, what will be the gravitational
energy release?