Solving Radiative Cooling Rate Homework Equation

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on solving a radiative cooling rate homework equation involving interstellar gas collisions. The main coolant's radiative loss rate is defined as Λ=n_H10^{-28}T_{gas} erg cm^{-3}s^{-1}. The cooling time equation derived is t_c=3kT_s/(n_HΛ(T_s)), which simplifies to t_c=3k/(n_H^2 10^{-28}) when substituting Λ. The user seeks clarification on how to incorporate temperature into the cooling time calculation, as the derived equation appears independent of temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic temperature and its relation to gas collisions.
  • Familiarity with radiative cooling concepts in astrophysics.
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic equations, specifically the cooling time equation.
  • Basic grasp of interstellar medium properties, including hydrogen density (n_H).
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the cooling time equation in astrophysical contexts.
  • Investigate the relationship between temperature and cooling rates in interstellar gas.
  • Explore the implications of temperature independence in cooling time calculations.
  • Learn about other cooling mechanisms in astrophysics beyond radiative loss.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying astrophysics, particularly those focusing on interstellar medium dynamics and radiative processes, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to gas cooling rates.

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Homework Statement


The first part of this question deals with interstellar gas collisions at a certain velocity, and the resultant temperature of the cloud is obtained.

Then this question:
The main coolant has the following radiative loss rate
\Lambda=n_H10^{-28}T_{gas} \text{erg cm}^{-3}\text{s}^{-1}

(i)Write down the equation for the kinetic temperature for the gas.
(ii)How long does it take for the cloud to reach half of the initial impact temperature if the volume remains the same?

Homework Equations


I've found this equation for cooling time
t_c=\frac{3kT_s}{n_H\Lambda(T_s)}
where Ts is the post-shock temperature.

The Attempt at a Solution



The first part is simple enough, just
KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^2=\frac{3}{2}kT

But when I sub in the given value for Lambda into the cooling time equation, the temperatures cancel, leaving
t_c=\frac{3kT_s}{n_H(n_H10^{-28}T_{s})}=\frac{3k}{n_H^2 10^{-28}}

So if I'm looking for the time taken to cool to Ts/2, I have nowhere to sub in, as the cooling time is now independent of temperature.
Where have I gone wrong?
 
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Any ideas?
 

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