Polytropic Models: Solving Problem at Slide 5

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The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the polytropic index n for a homogeneous gas sphere, specifically at slide 5 of a referenced presentation. The original poster questions why n is stated to be 0, leading to an infinite gamma, while they argue that with constant density, there should be no equilibrium for any gamma value. Participants clarify that if density is constant, both the pressure gradient and density gradient are zero, which suggests equilibrium. The key issue remains how to reconcile the author's claim of n being 0 with the poster's findings on equilibrium. The conversation highlights the complexities of polytropic models in astrophysics.
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Hello, I am studing polytropes and I found something intersting 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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