Major topics
Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum:
- wavelength and frequency and energy
- major divisions (Gamma, X-ray, UV etc)
- how temperature relates to wavelength
- the Black Body Spectrum
- Kirchhoff's Laws
- Wien's and Stefan's Law
- Telescopes in different parts of the spectrum
Atomic Structure and Light
- atoms, ions and molecules
- temperature and atomic motion
- energy levels and transitions
- Doppler effect
- Stellar Spectroscopy and Spectral Classes
The Sun
- major features of the sun (core, photosphere, chromosphere etc...)
- fusion and how it works
- solar activity and sunspots
The Stars
- stellar parallax and distance
- absolute magnitude and distance modulus
- distance modulus and distance
- how brightness depends on size and temperature
- the HR diagram and how to use it
- fusion in stars - PP and CNO cycles
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Be sure to read carefully the online lecture notes and pay attention to the example problems worked out in the lectures. Also - read your text book Chps: 5,6,15,16,17,18,19,20, 21.1, 21.2 and 22
You will not be given a formula sheet but are encouraged to make your own for use during the exam.
Exam Format and Procedure:
The exam will consist of two sections of equal weight:
- a 30 part multiple choice section of NO MORE THAN ! HOUR duration - multiple choice submissions after this time will NOT be accepted
- 3 long answer questions
You may use any course notes, text and lecture in the exam but communication with other students is not allowed. |
