9_7_5

5. The study of binary and variable stars reveals vital information about stars


 * describe binary stars in terms of the means of their detection: visual, eclipsing, spectroscopic and astrometric
 * perform an investigation to model the light curves of eclipsing binaries using computer simulation
 * solve problems and analyse information by applying:
 * explain the importance of binary stars in determining stellar masses
 * classify variable stars as either intrinsic or extrinsic and periodic or non-periodic
 * explain the importance of the period-luminosity relationship for determining the distance of cepheids