Estimate time scale of expansion of a star

In summary, the task is to estimate the expansion time scale of a star experiencing a sudden increase in pressure to a new value. The given parameters are the average density (ρ) and the radius (R), and the equation provided is tdynamical ≈ √R3/GM. The attempt at a solution involves creating an equation of motion for an outer shell and equating it to the pressure, but the use of G is not applicable as gravity is to be ignored. The suggestion to use dimensional analysis is also mentioned.
  • #1
Poirot
94
3

Homework Statement


A star experiences a sudden increase in pressure to a new value P'. Taking the average density as ρ and the radius R, estimate the time scale of expansion of the star. (Ignore gravity altogether).

Homework Equations


The only thing I can see in my notes that may (or may not) be related to this is :
tdynamical ≈ √R3/GM

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how to begin, I thought perhaps I could make an equation of motion for an outer shell and equate this to some kind of pressure but I don't know how/ am quite lost.

Any help would be much appreciated thanks.
 
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  • #2
Did you try dimensional analysis?

You cannot use G if you should ignore gravity.
 
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