Astronomy : Velocity of approach of the Sun's equator

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum velocity of the Sun's equator as viewed from Earth, which is determined to be 2.04 m/s using the circular motion formula v = (2*pi*r)/period. The Sun's rotational period is established as 25 days, converted to 2,160,000 seconds, and its radius is 700,000 km, converted to 7 x 10^7 m. Additionally, the frequency of the Sun's rotation is calculated as 4.63 x 10^-7 Hz, leading to a wavelength of 6.48 x 10^14 m. The discussion emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the frequency of rotation and the frequency of light for calculating the Doppler shift.

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  • Understanding of circular motion formulas
  • Knowledge of wavelength and frequency relationships
  • Familiarity with the concept of Doppler shift
  • Basic unit conversions (km to m)
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bri7
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The sun's rotational period is 25 days at the equator. Given that the radius of the sun is 700,000 km, calculate the max velocity of approach or recession of the Sun's equator as viewed from Earth. Find the max change in wavelength of a spectral line due to the rotation and express it as a percentage of the rest wavelength of the line.

Relevant equations
Circular motion formula v = (2*pi*r)/period

Frequency = 1/period
wavelength = c/frequency

The attempt at a solution
Convert period into seconds
P = 2 160 000 sec

Convert radius of Sun into m
r = 7*10^7 m

v = (2*pi*7*10^7m)/2 160 000 s
= 2.04 m/s

frequency = 1/period
f = 1/ 2 160 000

wavelength = c/f
= 6.48*10^14 m

I'm not really sure what the question is asking beyond this
 
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bri7 said:
Convert radius of Sun into m
r = 7*10^7 m

How many meters are there in 1 km? You also neef to recheck your other computations because you are randomly getting the powers of 10 wrong.

frequency = 1/period
f = 1/ 2 160 000

wavelength = c/f
= 6.48*10^14 m

No, this is not the frequency of the light. It is the frequency of rotation. The actual frequency of the light is irrelevant for the question as it asks you for a ratio for the Doppler shift of the light frequency.
 

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