Understanding the Chandrasekhar Mass Units for Relativistic Lane Emden Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the Chandrasekhar mass using the relativistic Lane Emden equations, specifically with n = 3. Participants explore the dimensional analysis of the equations and the implications for mass units.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the Chandrasekhar mass using the relativistic Lane Emden equation and claims that the total mass is proportional to a³, suggesting that density cancels out at n = 3.
  • Another participant questions the dimensional analysis of the variable K, indicating a potential symbol clash and suggesting that K does not have the expected dimensions.
  • A later reply acknowledges a mistake in the initial calculations and mentions a specific definition of 'a' in the context of the Lane Emden equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the dimensional analysis and the use of symbols, indicating that there is no consensus on the correctness of the initial calculations or the interpretation of the equations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the definitions of symbols used in the equations and the implications of dimensional analysis, which may affect the conclusions drawn by participants.

MarkL
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TL;DR
relativistic equation for mass give incorrect units using Lame Emden
Using Lane Emden and n = 3 (relativistic), I calculate the correct mass -- the Chandrasekhar mass (about 1.4 Msun)
The equation goes Mtotal ∝ a3, because at n=3, the density, ρ, cancels out.
a2 ∝ K/G = Kg2 → a3 ∝ Kg3. Here K ∝ h c or Kg m3/sec2 and G ∝ m3/Kg/sec2
This implies the mass, Mtotal units is Kg3

What is wrong, please...
 
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A reference would be helpful. Looking at the Wikipedia page, ##K=P/\rho^{1+1/n}##, which is ##P\rho^{-4/3}## in your case. That does not seem to me to have dimensions of ##\mathrm{[M]}^2##, but rather ##\mathrm{[M]}^{2/3}## if my late night algebra is correct. But that page doesn't mention a symbol ##a## anywhere, so it may be a symbol clash - which is why a reference would be helpful.
 
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Ibix said:
A reference would be helpful. Looking at the Wikipedia page, ##K=P/\rho^{1+1/n}##, which is ##P\rho^{-4/3}## in your case. That does not seem to me to have dimensions of ##\mathrm{[M]}^2##, but rather ##\mathrm{[M]}^{2/3}## if my late night algebra is correct. But that page doesn't mention a symbol ##a## anywhere, so it may be a symbol clash - which is why a reference would be helpful.
Thank you - I discovered my mistake. I will delete this post shortly.
 
a is in Lame Emden equations --- as in, r = a ξ
 
I guess I can't delete...
 
MarkL said:
I guess I can't delete...
No reason to delete the thread -- it has value to others. I'll go ahead and tie it off for you. :smile:
 

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