Undergrad Relationship between collision and relaxation

Click For Summary
The relationship between collision and relaxation in astrophysical structures involves the frequency of particle interactions. A relaxed structure, such as an elliptical galaxy, indicates that the internal dynamics have reached a stable state, often characterized by a Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution. Frequent collisions among particles contribute to this relaxation process, allowing energy and momentum to be evenly distributed. Understanding what constitutes a "relaxed structure" is crucial for accurately describing the behavior of stars within such systems. Overall, the interplay between collisions and relaxation is fundamental to the dynamics of stellar systems.
Astroiaco
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Can someone explain me (even in poor worda) the relationship between collision and relaxation? I mean, a structure is relaxed when the particles (or stars) inside have frequent collisions? Or not?An elliptical galaxy is a relaxed structure. Can i deacribe the internal stars with a maxwell-boltzmann velocity distribution? I know it is a general question but i want a general answer too. Thanks
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
I am afraid you will have to explain what you mean by "relaxed structure" here.
 

Thread 'Galaxy MoM-z14 - furthest observed object'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MoM-z14 Any photon with energy above 24.6 eV is going to ionize any atom. K, L X-rays would certainly ionize atoms. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/whats-the-most-distant-galaxy/ The James Webb Space Telescope has found the most distant galaxy ever seen, at the dawn of the cosmos. Again. https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/news/webb-mom-z14 A Cosmic Miracle: A Remarkably Luminous Galaxy at zspec = 14.44 Confirmed with JWST...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Question of accuracy of galactic collision simulations
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Undergrad How Does Gravity Affect Spectral Line Strength?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad What does the Lattice Boltzmann Equation actually say?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Undergrad Galaxy Merger and Damped Oscillation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Virial Theorem and the Ergodic hypothesis
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad How Can We Measure Properties of Distant Planets and Stars?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Relaxation time and average electron velocity in Drude model
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad How is Dark Matter distributed around our galaxy?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Questions regarding dark matter dynamics
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
9K
Electrons colliding with gas molecules
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K