I have a test in astrophysics coming up and this is something I should be able t

Question

I have a test in astrophysics coming up and this is something I should be able to do. If possible can I get help answering the question but also an outline for how to answer general questions like this - important and relevant equations and formulas and steps- important concepts etc.. using this question as a basis for studying for the test and for designing a 'cheat sheet'

10. Understand the concepts behind convection (effect of a temperature gradient), radiative diffusion (how does diffusion time depend on distance) and radiation pressure. When (or where in the atmosphere) do stars transition from radiative diffusion to convection? Why?

Explanation / Answer

The e?ciency of the ?rst two processes depends on the mean free path of, respectively, photons and particles (i.e. electrons); since the photon mean free path is normally greater than that of electrons, radiative di?usion normally dominates over conduction, although the latter becomes dominant in special physical conditions, such as those prevailing in white dwarfs.

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