Question
The Crab Nebula (see Figure 7.41) pulsar is the remnant of a supernova that occurred in A.D. 1054. Using data from Table 7.3, calculate the approximate factor by which the power output of this astronomical object has declined since its explosion.
<b>Figure 7.41</b> Crab Nebula (credit: ESO, via Wikimedia Commons
Figure 7.41 Crab Nebula (credit: ESO, via Wikimedia Commons
<b>Table 7.3</b> Power output or consumption
Table 7.3 Power output or consumption
Question by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Final Answer

2×10−102\times 10^{-10}

Solution video

OpenStax College Physics for AP® Courses, Chapter 7, Problem 30 (Problems & Exercises)

OpenStax College Physics, Chapter 7, Problem 30 (PE) video thumbnail

In order to watch this solution you need to have a subscription.

Start free trial Log in
vote with a rating of votes with an average rating of .
Chevron left Prev
Next Chevron right

Calculator Screenshots

  • OpenStax College Physics, Chapter 7, Problem 30 (PE) calculator screenshot 1
Video Transcript
This is College Physics Answers with Shaun Dychko. The Crab nebula contains a pulsar that used to be a supernova and this question is asking by what factor has the power output originally of the supernova— 5 times 10 to the 37 watts— decreased to make the present power output which is that of the Crab nebula pulsar— 10 to the 28 watts. So we solve for x by dividing both sides by P naught here and we get that this factor is the final output which is 10 to the 28 watts— the output of the pulsar— divided by the original output of the supernova and it's power output is decreased by a factor of 2 times 10 to the minus 10.