Magnitude ↔ Flux Ratio mechanism

Model scope

The forward formula is standard and correct under the stated assumptions. The blank honest_label should be replaced with a clear label such as: 'Magnitude difference from positive, same-band flux ratio; inverse available. Fluxes must use compatible units.' The exact output mode and inverse formula must be specified before release.

• The stated formula is correct for the magnitude difference: m1−m2 = −2.5·log10(F1/F2).
• The claimed reverse calculation is not explicitly specified; it must use F1/F2 = 10^(-(m1−m2)/2.5) = 10^(-0.4·(m1−m2)).
• The spec does not define how the interface selects whether the output is magnitude difference or flux ratio, creating an output-mode ambiguity.

Units and conventions

• F1 and F2 must be positive, finite fluxes measured in the same units and the same photometric bandpass; their ratio is dimensionless.
• Magnitudes are dimensionless apparent magnitudes using the conventional astronomical sign convention.
• Flux values in different units must be converted before forming the ratio; compatible units cancel only after conversion.

Inspectable vector

One of 4 source-bound review vectors:

{
  "inputs": {
    "mode": "flux_to_magnitude_difference",
    "F1": 10,
    "F2": 25,
    "flux_unit": "Jy"
  },
  "expected_outputs": {
    "magnitude_difference_m1_minus_m2": 0.9948500218
  },
  "working": "F1/F2 = 10/25 = 0.4. log10(0.4) = -0.3979400087. m1−m2 = -2.5 × (-0.3979400087) = 0.9948500218."
}

Failure boundary

BREAK_CLAIMED · SELF_FLAGGED

A zero flux denominator produces an undefined flux ratio and non-finite logarithm; without explicit positive-flux validation, the instrument can emit an invalid result. The specification also has a sign/order convention hazard that can silently produce the reciprocal ratio.

Other records

Sources and evidence

These pointers bind the page to evidence. They do not grant authority or collapse verification into deployment.

• VERIFIED_LEDGER.json
• evidence-tranche2/tranche2-results.json
• BOUNDARY_HAZARD_CATALOG.json