Density of the sun as a white dwarf.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the density of the sun when it becomes a white dwarf in about 5 billion years. The sun's mass remains approximately 1.99 x 10^30 kg, but its diameter will shrink to about 15,000 km. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly converting units and calculating volume using the formula for a sphere. Errors in exponentiation and radius values lead to incorrect density calculations, with suggestions to break down the problem step by step. The correct approach involves ensuring accurate volume calculations before determining the density.
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Homework Statement



In about 5 billion years, at the end of its lifetime, our sun will end up as a white dwarf, having about the same mass as it does now, but reduced to about 15,000 km in diameter.What will be its density at that stage?

g/cm^3

Homework Equations



D=m/v
4/3(3.14)r^3

The Attempt at a Solution



Sun's mass is Sun's mass is = 1.99 x 10^30 kg
kg to g = 1.99 x 10^33
v = 7500 km to 750,000,000 centimeter

D = 1.99 x 10^33 / (4/3)(3.14)(7.5 x 10^33)^3 = 1.12 x 10^54 ?

Is this correct? I have been getting it wrong each time I input the answer
 
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Look at what you put for the radius in your equation.
 
D = 1.99 x 10^33 / (4/3)(3.14)(7.5 x 10^9)^3 = 2.09 x 10^11?
 
You're off by a factor of 10 somewhere. Careful of your exponents.
 
D = 1.99 x 10^33 / (4/3)(3.14)(7.5 x 10^8)^3 = 6.338 x 10^23
Seems to be wrong.
 
Your equation is correct. Take it one step at a time.
 
negitron said:
Take it one step at a time.

Agreed. What is the volume? Then take the ratio mass/volume.
 
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