How Do You Calculate Orbital Speed in Different Galactic Density Models?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
CaptainEvil
Messages
91
Reaction score
0
Orbital Speed of a Star - Please Help!

Homework Statement



Calculate [tex]\Omega[/tex](r) and v(r) for the following density models:
(a) all the mass M is at the center of the galaxy;
(b) a constant density adding up to a mass M(R0) at the Sun’s orbit and no mass beyond.


Homework Equations



M(r) = v(r)2r/G


The Attempt at a Solution



a) Using the above eqn, I can rewrite for v(r) = [tex]\sqrt{}GM(r)/r[/tex] but since all the mass M is in the center, it is constant, and M(r) = M so

v(r) = [tex]\sqrt{}GM/r[/tex] and [tex]\Omega[/tex](r) = v(r)/r

b) For a constant density, radius would extend from 0 to R0 and mass would increase from 0 to M(R0). So I'm thinking I have to integrate my equation from part (a) to account for this summation. But I'm a bit lost and don't know how to get it done.

Any help please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


That Els Peeters, she's got some tough questions, eh?