- #1
Physics Dad
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Homework Statement
An astronomer has independent measurements of both the apparent and absolute magnitudes of Alpha Centauri B, and a measurement of the extinction towards the star. Derive an algebraic expression for the distance to the star and a second expression that shows how the uncertainty associated with this distance can be estimated.
Homework Equations
(m-Av)-M=5log(d)-5
The Attempt at a Solution
OK, so I know that the above is the equation which contains all of the parameters I need and I know I can rearrange this equation to give me d, but that isn't deriving it.
Do I have to do a lot more than this?
Also, if this is correct then I know that I will end up with an equation that looks like this:
d=101/5(m-M-Av+5)
And I know that uncertainties is simply adding in quadrature, but I get very confused here as I have many variables all as a power of another number and I don't know how to approach this.
I don't want answers, I just want guidance.
Many thanks