Estimating Mass of Particules in Earth's Magnetosphere

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the mass of particles in Earth's magnetosphere, specifically up to a distance of 100 times Earth's radius and to the stopping point near the Sun. The context includes a focus on the average density of protons during solar minimum conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to estimate the mass of particles in the magnetosphere, noting the average density of 10 protons/cm³.
  • Another participant questions the original poster about their progress and the specific problems they encountered.
  • The original poster admits to struggling with the calculation of mass and expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problem.
  • One participant suggests using the known mass of a proton and the relationship between density, volume, and mass, but notes the need for a volume calculation.
  • A later reply reiterates the need to calculate the volume based on the radius of the Earth and suggests using geometry to find the total volume while accounting for excluded areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to calculate the volume and use the given density to find the mass, but the original poster's understanding and approach remain unclear, indicating unresolved issues in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on the specific volume calculations required and how to apply the distances mentioned in the context of the problem.

Cerdocyon
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Hello,
The problem is quite simple.
Estimate the mass of particules that contains the Earth's magnetosphere up to a distance of 100 times erath's radius (In the shadow cone of earth) and also up to the break point or stopping point of the side of the sun.The solar activity is at its minimum and the average density is 10 protons/cm³.
Thank you.
 
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This looks like homework. What did you do so far?
Where did you run into problems?
 
Well indeed it's a homework and i didn't get anywhere i can't figure out how to calculate the mass of particules.
 
You have a particle density. Do you know the mass of a proton?
Do you know some relation between density in a volume and total mass? What do you need for that?
 
Well, the mass of a proton is 1.67*10^-27 and i know that density equals volume divided by mass but i don't have a volume and i certainly don't see a way how to calculate it and furthermore there are distances which i don't knowwhat will be the use of them.
 
Cerdocyon said:
Hello,
The problem is quite simple.
Estimate the mass of particules that contains the Earth's magnetosphere up to a distance of 100 times erath's radius (In the shadow cone of earth) and also up to the break point or stopping point of the side of the sun.The solar activity is at its minimum and the average density is 10 protons/cm³.
Thank you.

The volume you need is described. First look up the radius of the Earth. Multiply that by 100. Then use geometry to calculate the volume. If areas are excluded work out the volume of the excluded regions
and subtract those from the total volume. Your given the average density so it should be easy from there
 

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