Understanding the Chandrasekhar Mass Units for Relativistic Lane Emden Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the Chandrasekhar mass (approximately 1.4 Msun) using the relativistic Lane Emden equations with n = 3. The equation Mtotal ∝ a³ indicates that the total mass is proportional to the cube of the scale factor 'a', where 'a' is defined in the context of the Lane Emden equations. A participant identified a dimensional inconsistency in the equation K = P/ρ^(1+1/n), noting that it yields dimensions of [M]^(2/3) rather than [M]^2. The conversation concludes with the realization of a misunderstanding regarding the symbol 'a' in the equations.

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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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