Past exam of the short options paper shared by Prelims and Parts A and B of the physics course of the University of Oxford / 2018 / S26 / 3 / b

A K-star-like integrated spectrum indicates that old or intermediate-age cool stars, often luminous red giants, dominate the observed optical/near-infrared light. It suggests little ongoing formation of very luminous hot O and B stars. It does not imply that every star is K type: faint low-mass dwarfs and remnants can contribute substantial mass while contributing little light.

Using the reference wavelength printed in the problem,The low-redshift Hubble estimate isPeculiar velocities and the distinction between luminosity and angular-diameter distance introduce percent-level or larger corrections to this simple estimate. The numerical result intentionally uses the supplied calcium reference rather than replacing it with a different tabulated line wavelength.