Chapter 33, Problem 18TE

To determine

The star that has the highest surface temperature among a red star, yellow star, and a blue star.

Answer to Problem 18TE

Blue star has the highest surface temperature compared to yellow and red stars.

Explanation of Solution

The different colors of stars are due to different frequencies of electromagnetic radiations emitted by them. The absolute temperature of objects is directly related to the frequency of radiations emitted by them. Thus, the colors of stars are related to their surface temperatures.

The Sun is a yellow star with the surface temperature $\text{5}\text{.5}\times {\text{10}}^3\text{K}$. A blue star is a hot star with a surface temperature of ${10}^4\text{K}$ while a red star is the coolest star with $2.5\times {10}^3\text{K}$.

Conclusion:

Therefore, blue star has the highest surface temperature compared to yellow and red stars.