What is the Formula for Calculating Total Mass in an Elliptical Galaxy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving a formula for the total mass within a radius in an elliptical galaxy, based on the hydrostatic equilibrium of hot, X-ray emitting gas in the galaxy's halo. The problem involves understanding the relationships between gas density, temperature, and gravitational effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate equations related to gas pressure and density but struggles with the appearance of logarithmic terms in the expected result. They question their differentiation process and the presence of factors of radius.
  • Some participants suggest using logarithmic derivatives and the chain rule to express the derivatives in terms of logs, indicating a potential path forward.
  • Further clarification is requested by the original poster regarding the suggested approach, indicating a need for deeper understanding of the differentiation process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and suggestions for approaching the differentiation. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the use of logarithmic derivatives, and some progress is noted by the original poster as they begin to understand the differentiation rules better.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is framed within the context of homework, suggesting constraints on the level of assistance that can be provided. The original poster indicates a lack of recent practice in the subject matter, which may affect their confidence in tackling the problem.

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Homework Statement


Under the assumption that the hot, X-ray emitting gas in the halo of an elliptical galazy is in hydrostatic equilibrium with the gravitational field of the galaxy, show that the total mass interior to radius r is given by:

[tex]M(r) = -\frac{kT(r)r}{\mu m_p G}(\frac{dln\rho_g(r)}{dlnr}+\frac{dlnT(r)}{dlnr})[/tex]

Where [tex]\rho_g(r)[/tex] and [tex]T(r)[/tex] are the gas density and temperature.

Homework Equations


From my notes:
[tex]\frac{dP_g(r)}{dr} = -\frac{GM(r)\rho_g(r)}{r^2}[/tex]

and

[tex]P_g(r) = N_g(r)kT(r) = \frac{\rho_g(r)}{\mu m_p}kT(r)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I have done this question before I should add, so I know it works. It was part of a homework, but the work was never given back so I can't check it there. I'm just doing it now as part of my revision.

The way I was going to head about this question was to differentiate the second of the two equations with respect to r, and set them equal to each other. However when doing this I can't see how the final answer has logs in it, as I seem to be getting:
[tex]\frac{dP_g(r)}{dr} = \frac{k}{\mu m_p}(\rho_g(r)\frac{dT(r)}{dr} + T(r)\frac{d\rho_g(r)}{dr})[/tex]

Have I gone wrong with my differentiating somewhere? Its been a long time since I've had any real practice this year, so I wouldn't be all that surprised.

I also think I have one too many factors of r as well, but the equation in the notes has [tex]r^2[/tex]

Any hints would be appreciated. Thanks
 
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You're going along the right lines. Now, you need to replace your derivatives in your expression for dP/dr with the derivatives involving logs in the solution.

For example, one can write [tex]\frac{d\ln T}{d \ln r}=\frac{d\ln T}{dr}\frac{dr}{d \ln r}[/tex], using the chain rule.

The second part on the RHS is just the reciprocal of d/dr{lnr}. You can then write the logarithmic derivative of T in terms of the derivative of T. Do the same for \rho, and you should have your answer. Post how you get on, and I'll be happy to give further comments.
 
I'm not really seeing what you mean. Can you expand on this a bit further please?
 
Brewer said:
I'm not really seeing what you mean. Can you expand on this a bit further please?

Well, [tex]\frac{d\ln T}{d \ln r}=\frac{d\ln T}{dr}\frac{dr}{d \ln r} = \frac{dT}{dr}\frac{d \ln T}{dT} \cdot r =\frac{dT}{dr}\frac{1}{T}\cdot r[/tex]

Then, rearranging, gives [tex]\frac{dT}{dr}=\frac{T}{r}\frac{d \ln T}{d \ln r}[/tex], which you can then substitute into your expression for dP/dr.

Do this, and the same for rho, and you should obtain the expression in your first post.
 
Hmmm...

I think I see it now. Having looked up the rules for differentiating logs!

Thanks for your help.
 

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