What is density of dark matter as a function of distance from the galactic core?

  • #1
Lotto
214
12
Homework Statement
Because of dark matter, our stars in the Galaxy with core of radius ##r_1##, whose matter is distributed spherically symetrically, are moving with speed ##v_0## that is not dependent on distance from the Galaxy's centre. This is true for distances from the centre smaller than ##r_2##. Consider the distribution of dark matter to be spherically symetric around the centre. What is denisty of dark matter dependent on distance ##r## from the Galaxy's centre in interval from ##r_1## to ##r_2##?
Relevant Equations
##G\frac{mM}{r^2}=m\frac {{v_0}^2}{r}##
##M_1=\frac{{v_0}^2r_1}{G}##
This problem builds on my previous post, where we calculated that core's mass is ##M_1=\frac{{v_0}^2r_1}{G}##. So if we consider mass of dark matter dependent on distance ##r## to be ##M_2(r)##, we can calculated it from

##G\frac{(M_2(r)+M_1)m}{r^2}=m\frac{{v_0}^2}{r}.##

So ##M_2(r)=\frac{{v_0}^2}{G}(r-r_1)##.

An average density in interval from ##r## to ##r+\Delta r## is ##\frac{\frac{{v_0}^2}{G}(r+\Delta r-r_1)-\frac{{v_0}^2}{G}(r-r_1)}{\frac 43 \pi [(r+\Delta r)^3-{r_1}^3]-\frac 43 \pi (r^3-{r_1}^3)}##. If we make a limit of it for ##\Delta r \rightarrow 0##, we get

##\rho(r)=\frac{{v_0}^2}{4\pi r^2G}##.

Is it correct? If not, where are my thoughts wrong?
 
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  • #2
Looks right.
 

1. What is the definition of density of dark matter?

The density of dark matter refers to the amount of dark matter present in a given volume of space. It is typically measured in units of mass per unit volume, such as kilograms per cubic meter.

2. How is the density of dark matter calculated?

The density of dark matter is calculated by measuring the gravitational effects of dark matter on visible matter, such as stars and galaxies. This can be done through observations and mathematical models.

3. Does the density of dark matter change as distance from the galactic core increases?

Yes, the density of dark matter is believed to decrease as distance from the galactic core increases. This is due to the fact that dark matter is thought to be distributed in a spherical halo around the galactic core.

4. Is the density of dark matter the same throughout the entire universe?

No, the density of dark matter varies throughout the universe. It is estimated that the density of dark matter is higher in regions with a higher concentration of galaxies, such as galaxy clusters.

5. How does the density of dark matter affect the structure of galaxies?

The density of dark matter plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. It is thought to provide the gravitational pull necessary to hold galaxies together and shape their overall structure.

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