Formation of the Solar System (Astrophysics Homework Help)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the temperature difference between the regions where Venus and Jupiter formed, based on their distances from the Sun. The formula used is T = k/R², which was initially applied incorrectly. The correct approach involves using the inverse square root law, leading to the conclusion that the region where Venus formed is 55.2 times hotter than that of Jupiter, although this calculation was later deemed incorrect by participants in the forum.

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  • Understanding of the inverse square law in physics
  • Familiarity with astronomical units (AU)
  • Basic knowledge of temperature calculations in astrophysics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
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Homework Statement



Formation of the Solar System

The distance of Venus is about 0.7 AU, and the orbital radius of Jupiter is about 5.2 AUs. How many times hotter is the region where Venus formed compared to the region where Jupiter formed? Enter numbers and decimal point only. Round off to the nearest tenth.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution




The temperature of a region of the solar system depends on how close it is to the sun, according to the inverse square law:

T = k/R²

where "k" is some constant. So:

Tvenus / Tjupiter = (k/Rvenus²) / (k/Rjupiter²)
= (Rjupiter / Rvenus)²
= (5.2 AU / 0.7 AU)²

I arrived at Venus' region being 55.2 times hotter than Jupiter region and it is wrong.

Thank you in advance for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's not

T = k/R2

It's inverse square root.
 

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