Discuss the below:
Q: Is it possible to calculate the masses of the stars in an x-ray binary system when all i know of the system is that; one of the stars is a main sequences star of spectral type K5 measured from optical spectroscopy. The companion star is believed to be a neutron star with no distinct pulsations, however the x-ray emission has exhibited erratic and dramatic changes over long periods of time, the last outburst was in 1979 when the luminosity in the x-ray band was estimated to be 4 x 10^30 J s^-1.?
a) If it is not possible to calculate the masses of the stars, what would be a reasonable assumed mass for the neutron star? How did you deduce this?
b) By considering the energy released in one second, calculate the rate (Q) at which mass would have to be transferred (in Kg s^-1) to the neutron star in order to provide the luminosity that was observed in the 1979 outburst. Clearly state any assumption made in your calculations.