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Stars And The H-R Diagram Worksheet - Physics 1, Devan Skapetis, Ridgeview High School

Name _______________________________________ Date ______________ Period _______

Worksheet: Stars and the H-R Diagram

C O O R D I N A T E D S C I E N C E 1

Background: The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is actually a graph that illustrates the

relationship that exists between the average surface temperature of stars and their absolute

magnitude, which is how bright they would appear to be if they were al the same distance away.

Rather than speak of the brightness of stars, the term “luminosity” is often used. Luminosity is a

measure of how much energy leaves a star in a certain period of time. Generally, for stars that

are at equal distances from the Earth, the more luminous a star, the brighter it is.

The luminosity of stars is affected not only be temperature but also by size. The most

luminous stars are affected not only by temperature but also by size. The most luminous stars

would be those that are large and hot. Those that are the least luminous would be small and

cool. The color of a star is determined by its surface temperature, which is illustrated on the

Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.

Answer the questions using the above HR Diagram

1. What is the approximate surface temperature of the sun?

2. Would the surface temperature of white dwarf stars be higher or lower than red super

giants? (Circle one of the bold words)

Stars And The H-R Diagram Worksheet - Physics 1, Devan Skapetis, Ridgeview High School