Dark matter density in fucntion of radius

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the density of dark matter as a function of radius in galaxies, particularly in the context of flat rotation curves. The original poster attempts to derive a formula for dark matter density, assuming spherical symmetry and constant orbital velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the Hubble constant in the context of a problem that does not involve cosmic expansion. There are attempts to derive the mass distribution and density using Newtonian gravity and circular motion equations. Questions arise regarding the relationship between dark matter density and distance from the galaxy center.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on focusing on Newtonian mechanics rather than cosmological parameters. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the derived density formula, with some questioning the assumptions about how dark matter density behaves with distance.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the relationship between the total mass of dark matter and its density, as well as the implications for galaxy structure and gravitational effects.

Fabio010
Messages
84
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement




Evidence for dark matter comes from “flat” rotation curves of galaxies. Assume
that the observed matter moves in circular orbits about the center of the galaxy
and that the velocity of the matter as a function of the radius v(r) is a constant.


Also assume (mass of luminous matter is negligible) and the dark matter is
distributed with spherical symmetry about the center of the galaxy.




What is the density ρ(r) of the dark matter as a function of radius?



2. Attempt

Critic density = ρ(r) = 3Ho^2 / 8piG Ho= Hubble constante

because Ho = v/d then

ρ(r) = 3v^2 / 8piGr^2 r= distance from the center of galaxy


So we can conclude that the dark matter density in a galaxy is proportional to 1/r^2.


But i found this wrong. Can somebody the me what is wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is no expansion of the universe involved in the problem, why do you use the Hubble constant and what is d?

Just use v as a constant and Newtonian gravity.
You could calculate M(r) (the total mass up to radius r) as intermediate step.
 
mfb said:
There is no expansion of the universe involved in the problem, why do you use the Hubble constant and what is d?

Just use v as a constant and Newtonian gravity.
You could calculate M(r) (the total mass up to radius r) as intermediate step.

like this:

\vec{}

F=\frac{GMm}{R^{2}}

a=\frac{v^{2}}{R}

The Attempt at a Solution


\frac{F}{m}=\frac{GM}{R^{2}}

4\pi \frac{F}{m}=\frac{4\pi GM}{R^{2}}

\frac{v^{2}}{R}=\frac{GM}{R^{2}}

dM=4\pi\rho (R)R^{2}dR

dM=\frac{v^{2}}{G}dR

4\pi\rho (R)R^{2}dR=\frac{v^{2}}{G}dR

\rho (R)=\frac{v^{2}}{4\pi GR^{2}}


so \rho (R) is propitiational to \frac{1}{r^{2}}
 
anyone?
 
Sorry, missed that post somehow.
I don't see an error.
 
mfb said:
Sorry, missed that post somehow.
I don't see an error.

So with my result, i can conclude that the dark matter density decreases with the distance from the center of the galaxy.

But is not the dark matter suppose to increase with the distance? To maintain the galaxy rotation velocity constant?
 
The total amount of dark matter increases (M~R), the density decreases. If density would be constant everywhere, our galaxy would not have any border in terms of its gravitational attraction.
 
mfb said:
The total amount of dark matter increases (M~R), the density decreases. If density would be constant everywhere, our galaxy would not have any border in terms of its gravitational attraction.

Thanks for the help mfb!
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K