Astrophysics and Cosmology 390-FS2-1ASK
Subjects realized at the lecture:
I. Structure of stars, evolution of stars:
1. The virial theorem. The negative specific heat of a star. The thermal, the dynamic, and the nuclear time-scales.
2. The Planck function, Wien and Rayleigh-Jeans formulas, Wien's displacement law.
3. Hydrostatic equilibrium in the stars.
4. Nuclear fusion in the stars: Coulomb barrier, proton-proton chain reaction, CNO cycle and triple-alpha process.
5. Energy transport in the star: convective heat transfer, radiative transport, conductivity.
6. Star formation: Jeans mass.
7. Binary stars: the Lagrangian points. the Algol paradox, the Eddington luminosity.
II. Relativistic astrophysics:
1. The Pauli exclusion principle, equation of states of degenerated matter.
2. White dwarf: basic parameters, Chandrasekhar limit.
3. Neutron star and pulsar: basic parameters, structure, the lighthouse model.
4. Black hole: event horizon, relativistic properties, Hawking radiation. Black holes in our Universe.
5. Gravitational waves: properties, detectors. Hulse–Taylor binary, the source GW150914, GW170817.
III. Cosmology:
1. The Big Bang Theory
2. The Standard Model (Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker universe).
3.The dark matter and the dark energy.
Subjects realized at the colloquium seminars:
All exercises are related to the mentioned above topics.
Inter alia:
1. Estimation of efficiency of energy production in a star. Estimation of
the thermal, the dynamic, and the nuclear time-scales.
2. Virial theorem in practice. Potential energy of the star.
3. Proton-proton chain and estimation of a neutrino flux approaching our head.
4. Energy transfer in the Sun
5. Estimation of the Jeans mass for a molecular cloud.
6. Calculation of the Eddington luminosity, exercises related to an accretion disc.
7. Estimation of the Chandrasekhar mass.
8. Estimation of basic parameters of white dwarfs and neutron stars.
8. Black holes
9. Gravitational waves: the power radiated by a binary system.
10. The Standard Model.
Type of course
Mode
(in Polish) w sali
Prerequisites
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
A student:
1. has a widen knowledge in the matter of chosen subject taken from astrophysics and cosmology, he/she knows basics conceptions of mathematical models the chosen astrophysical and cosmological phenomena (K_W09);
2. has a knowledge of research directions, problems of modern physics and the latest discoveries in physics (K_W10);
3. is able to apply theoretical physics methods to the quantitative and qualitative analysis of selected systems and physical phenomena within the scope of the programme of Specialties (K_U09);
4. understands and critically uses the professional literature and resources of the Internet - including sources in English with regard to the problems studied in physics (K_U10);
5. Understands the need to continuously deepen their knowledge and the need to provide a reliable, evidence-based, knowledge base on physics and its uses (K_K02).
Assessment criteria
The written exam (answer to questions and solve exercises) will be at the end of the colloquium seminars. The oral exam will be after the end of the course.
Practical placement
Not required.
Bibliography
Recommended literature:
1. L. A. Anchordoqui, Lectures os Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology, 2016 ( http://arxiv.org/pdf/0706.1988v3.pdf ).
2. B. Basu, An Introduction to Astrophysics, PHI Learning Private Limited, Delhi, 2013.
3. A. Liddle, An Introduction to Modern Cosmology, WILEY, 2009.
Additional literature:
1. M.S. Longair, Galaxy formation, Springer-Verlag, Berlin 1998.
2. H. Bradt, Astrophysics Processes. The physics of Astronomical Phenomena. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2008.
3. M. S. Longair, High Energy Astrophysics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2011
4. The Internet: web pages of ESO, ESA, NASA, astronomical www pages
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: