Escape Velocity of a Neutron Star: Relativistic Calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the escape velocity of a neutron star with a mass of approximately 1.4 solar masses (##m = \frac{2}{3} \cdot 2.1 \cdot M_{\odot}##) and a radius of 15 km. Participants explore the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, specifically addressing the challenge of deriving a relativistic potential energy expression. The conclusion emphasizes that the standard Newtonian potential energy equation (##V_N = -G\frac{mM}{r}##) can be adapted using the Lorentz factor (##\gamma##) to estimate relativistic effects, although the validity of this approach is debated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian mechanics and gravitational potential energy
  • Familiarity with relativistic physics concepts, particularly kinetic energy
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz factor (##\gamma##) and its application
  • Basic calculus for solving equations involving energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of relativistic potential energy equations
  • Study the application of the Lorentz factor in relativistic mechanics
  • Explore escape velocity calculations for various celestial bodies
  • Learn about neutron star properties and their implications in astrophysics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, physicists, and astrophysicists interested in relativistic calculations and the properties of neutron stars will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the escape velocity on the surface of the neutron star in the previous problem (##m = \frac{2}{3} \cdot 2,1 \cdot M_{\odot}##; ##R = 15km##).

Hint: Basic physics. Note, however, that the escape velocity is not going to be small when compared to the speed of light.

Homework Equations


Relativistic kinetic energy:
\begin{equation}
K = \gamma mc^2 - mc^2 = \sqrt{(pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2} - mc^2
\end{equation}

Standard Newtonian potential energy:
\begin{equation}
V_N = -G\frac{mM}{r}
\end{equation}

Relativistic potential energy:
\begin{equation}
V_R = ?
\end{equation}

The Attempt at a Solution



My idea was to set the kinetic and potential energies to be equal, and solve for the speed as usual. The problem is, I don't know (how to derive) the expression for a relativistic potential, which I'm probably going to need because, you know, it's a neutron star we're talking about here.

I found a source (since none of my books were of any use), that simply multiplies the standard Newtonian potential with the Lorentz-factor ##\gamma##, but I'm not sure that's allowed.

Is it, and if so, why?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Scratch everything I said. I got the wrong result because of an input error... No such thing as a relativistic potential, apparently.

GG, calculator with a small screen.
 

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