Water Ball with Sun's Mass - It's Diameter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical size of a ball of water that has the same mass as the Sun, exploring the implications of such a model under standard temperature and pressure (STP) conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that a ball of water with the Sun's mass would have a diameter of approximately 123 Earth diameters, while noting that the Sun is about 109 Earth diameters in size.
  • Another participant suggests that the calculated size seems reasonable, considering the density differences between the Sun and water.
  • A third participant emphasizes that the model is 'ideal', implying that it does not account for practical limitations.
  • Further discussion includes the notion that such a ball of water would likely collapse under its own gravity, potentially leading to fusion if conditions allow, or becoming a white dwarf if it remains too cold.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants acknowledge the hypothetical nature of the discussion, with some agreeing on the reasonableness of the size calculation while others point out the impracticality of such a scenario. No consensus is reached regarding the implications of the model.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the ideal conditions for the water ball or the physical processes that would occur if such a mass were realized.

zforgetaboutit
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Assuming (from Wikipedia) that the mass of the Sun is 2 x [itex]10^{30}[/itex] Kg,

I wondered what would be the size of an equivalently-massed ideal ball of water at STP with uniform density?

I read there the Sun is about 109 Earth diameters. My water ball model calculation is ~123 Earth diameters.

Anybody care to please confirm/correct?
 
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The number looks reasonable, as the density of the sun is a bit above the density of water.
It is impossible to have such a ball, of course.
 
Keep in mind I already used the word 'ideal'.
 
Sure, I just wanted to mention it. Such a ball would probably collapse until fusion of its hydrogen atoms starts inside. Alternatively, if the object stays too cold to start fusion, it might become a white dwarf.
 

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