Radial Acceleration and Gravitational Force of the Sun in the Milky Way Galaxy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of radial acceleration and gravitational force as they pertain to the Sun's motion within the Milky Way galaxy. The original poster presents a scenario involving the Sun's rotation period and distance from the galactic center, seeking to calculate both the radial acceleration and the net gravitational force acting on the Sun.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of the rotation period into a velocity and subsequently into acceleration, with some questioning how to properly calculate the time in seconds for the given period. Others explore the relationship between angular velocity and radial acceleration.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the necessary calculations, with some participants providing hints and guidance on how to approach the problem. Multiple interpretations of the gravitational force calculation are being discussed, particularly regarding the use of the radial acceleration in the force equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific values for the Sun's distance and rotation period, but there may be uncertainties regarding the exact calculations and assumptions related to the gravitational interactions within the galaxy.

crazuiee
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Homework Statement


The Milky Way galaxy (including the sun) rotates about its center with a period of 200 million years. The sun is approx. 2 X 10^20m from the center of the galaxy. What is:
A) The radial acceleration of the sun?
B) What is the net gravitational force on the Sun due to other stars in the Milky Way Galaxy?


Homework Equations


v=2(pi)(r)/period
a=v^2/r


I just can't get my head around the 1 revolution per 200million years. How would I work that into a velocity? And then into an acceleration?
 
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You have the equation - you just need to know how many seconds in 200Myr

(Hint 60*60*24*365.25 * 200,000,000)
 
Then would I divide my seconds by 2(pi)(rad) to get my answer in rad/s?
 
To find the Net gravitational force on the sun due to other stars in the galaxy would it just be F= [mass (of sun)] [acceleration (radial acceleration that was found)]
 

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