Finding mass enclosed my a stars radius from center.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rotational speed of a star located 12 Kpc from the center of the Galaxy using the formula v = (Gm/R)^(1/2). The user is tasked with finding the mass enclosed within the radius R, which increases with R^2 for a disk distribution. The known parameters include the Sun's distance of 8 Kpc and its rotational speed of 220 km/s. The solution involves using ratios to relate the speeds and distances of the Sun and the star in question.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics, specifically the formula v = (Gm/R)^(1/2)
  • Familiarity with mass distribution in galactic disks
  • Knowledge of astronomical distances, particularly in kiloparsecs (Kpc)
  • Basic algebra and ratio manipulation in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of mass distribution in galactic structures
  • Learn how to apply gravitational equations in astrophysics
  • Explore the implications of rotational speed in celestial mechanics
  • Investigate the use of ratios in astronomical calculations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of star rotation within galaxies.

seto6
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[urgent] finding mass enclosed my a stars radius from center.

Homework Statement


the rotational speed of an orbiting object is given by v= (Gm/R)^1/2where R is distance at which the object is rotating from the center of the mass distribution and M is the amount of mass within the radius R. for the distribution in a disk, the mass enclosed increases with R^2. the sun rotates in the ids of the Galaxy at distance of 8Kpc and a speed of 220km/s find the rotational speed of a star in the disk that is located at a distance of 12Kpc from the center of Galaxy.

i have no clue how to do this question. it was on my quiz but didn't know how to do. i really need help.


Homework Equations



the equation is given in the question.

The Attempt at a Solution


i have no clue how to start this.
i tried using v is proportional to M/R but it does not work
 
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Please help, i would greatly appreciated, i have a exam tomorrow, please.
 


seto6 said:

Homework Statement


the rotational speed of an orbiting object is given by v= (Gm/R)^1/2where R is distance at which the object is rotating from the center of the mass distribution and M is the amount of mass within the radius R. for the distribution in a disk, the mass enclosed increases with R^2. the sun rotates in the ids of the Galaxy at distance of 8Kpc and a speed of 220km/s find the rotational speed of a star in the disk that is located at a distance of 12Kpc from the center of Galaxy.

i have no clue how to do this question. it was on my quiz but didn't know how to do. i really need help.

Homework Equations



the equation is given in the question.

The Attempt at a Solution


i have no clue how to start this.
i tried using v is proportional to M/R but it does not work

Here's my take:

Why not try a ratio?

[tex]\frac{v}{v_{sun}} = (\frac{GM(r)}{R})^{1/2}(\frac{R_{sun}}{GM(r)})^{1/2}<br /> \rightarrow v = v_{sun}(\frac{R_{sun}}{R}} )^{1/2}[/tex]

Ratios are always good in astronomy.

i tried using v is proportional to M/R but it does not work

But v is not proportional to M/R, it is proportional to [tex](\frac{M}{R})^{1/2}[/tex] since it was given in the problem that [tex] v = (\frac{GM(r)}{R})^{1/2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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