IB Physics SL E.5.6 Stellar Parallax

Practise reading parallax angle from observations six months apart, converting angular units and calculating nearby stellar distance while recognizing the method's resolution…

Exam points

take parallax angle as half the total apparent angular shift measured six months apart
calculate d(pc) = 1/p(arcsec) after converting milliarcseconds or radians correctly
explain the distance limit through angles becoming smaller than the instrument's resolution

[Maximum number: 1]

The graph shows an incomplete Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram. The position of the Sun and three other stars, A, B and C , are shown.

Figure for Question E.5.6—Stellar parallax question 1 — IB Physics SL

$M_{\odot}, R_{\odot}$ and $L_{\odot}$ are the mass, radius and luminosity of the Sun.

Suggest whether the method of stellar parallax can be used to measure the distance to star C.

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E.5.6—Stellar parallax question 1