Dark matter density in fucntion of radius

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of dark matter density, ρ(r), in galaxies based on circular orbits of observed matter. The initial attempt incorrectly incorporated the Hubble constant, leading to confusion regarding the role of cosmic expansion. The correct formulation, derived using Newtonian gravity, shows that dark matter density is proportional to 1/R², indicating that density decreases with distance from the galactic center. This conclusion aligns with the understanding that while the total mass of dark matter increases with radius, its density diminishes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian gravity
  • Familiarity with circular motion and orbital dynamics
  • Basic knowledge of dark matter and its role in galaxies
  • Ability to manipulate mathematical expressions involving density and mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of dark matter density profiles in galaxy formation
  • Study the relationship between dark matter and galaxy rotation curves
  • Investigate the role of gravitational forces in galactic dynamics
  • Learn about alternative models of dark matter distribution
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying cosmology or gravitational dynamics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the properties and behavior of dark matter in galaxies.

Fabio010
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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?
 
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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!
 

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