Polytropic Models: Solving Problem at Slide 5

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the polytropic models, specifically addressing the assertion that the polytropic index n equals 0 for a homogeneous gas sphere, as stated in a presentation on polytropes. Participants analyze the polytropic equation P=K*ρ^(γ) and derive that if the density ρ is constant, then the pressure gradient dP/dr equals zero, indicating a lack of equilibrium. The confusion arises from reconciling this finding with the claim that n must be 0, leading to an infinite γ, which contradicts the established understanding of equilibrium in such systems.

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Giammy85
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Hello, I am studing polytropes and I found something interesting here: http://astronomy.sussex.ac.uk/~pd48/Polytropes.ppt

I got a problem at slide 5 where she says that the polytropic index n is equal to 0 for a homogenous gas sphere.

I am not able to figure out why. From the polytropic equation P=K*ro^(gamma) we can write: dP/dr=k(gamma)ro^(gamma-1)d(ro)/dr
and since ro=const we can say that dP/dr=0 for any value of gamma and moreover we can say that there is no equilibrium.


thanks for help
 
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Giammy85 said:
I am not able to figure out why. From the polytropic equation P=K*ro^(gamma) we can write: dP/dr=k(gamma)ro^(gamma-1)d(ro)/dr
and since ro=const we can say that dP/dr=0 for any value of gamma and moreover we can say that there is no equilibrium.

Hi Giammy85! :smile:

(have a gamma: γ :smile:)

I can't see the equations in your slide … the background is too dark.

But if dP/dr = k γ roγ-1 d(ro)/dr, and if ro = constant,

then dro/dr = 0 and dP/dr = 0.

What's the problem? :confused:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi Giammy85! :smile:

(have a gamma: γ :smile:)

I can't see the equations in your slide … the background is too dark.

But if dP/dr = k γ roγ-1 d(ro)/dr, and if ro = constant,

then dro/dr = 0 and dP/dr = 0.

What's the problem? :confused:


are you talking about this? http://astronomy.sussex.ac.uk/~pd48/Polytropes.ppt
I can clearly see them in every pc I used

The problem is that according to the author of this ppt for a homogenous gas sphere the polytropic index n has to be equal to 0 and so γ=1+1/n=infinite.

Instead I found that for ro=const there is no equilibrium for any value of γ. So if that author is right, how to demonstrate n=0?
 
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