What is the Formula for Calculating Total Mass in an Elliptical Galaxy?

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SUMMARY

The total mass interior to radius r in an elliptical galaxy can be calculated using the formula M(r) = -\frac{kT(r)r}{\mu m_p G}(\frac{dln\rho_g(r)}{dlnr}+\frac{dlnT(r)}{dlnr}). This formula is derived under the assumption that the hot, X-ray emitting gas in the halo is in hydrostatic equilibrium with the galaxy's gravitational field. Key equations include \frac{dP_g(r)}{dr} = -\frac{GM(r)\rho_g(r)}{r^2} and P_g(r) = N_g(r)kT(r) = \frac{\rho_g(r)}{\mu m_p}kT(r). The discussion emphasizes the importance of using logarithmic derivatives for gas density and temperature to arrive at the correct mass calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hydrostatic equilibrium in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with gas dynamics and thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of logarithmic differentiation techniques
  • Basic grasp of gravitational physics and mass distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of hydrostatic equilibrium in astrophysical contexts
  • Learn about the implications of X-ray emissions in galaxy halos
  • Explore logarithmic differentiation in calculus for physical applications
  • Investigate the role of gas density and temperature in galaxy formation
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying galaxy dynamics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on mass calculations in elliptical galaxies and the behavior of hot gas in cosmic structures.

Brewer
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Homework Statement


Under the assumption that the hot, X-ray emitting gas in the halo of an elliptical galazy is in hydrostatic equilibrium with the gravitational field of the galaxy, show that the total mass interior to radius r is given by:

M(r) = -\frac{kT(r)r}{\mu m_p G}(\frac{dln\rho_g(r)}{dlnr}+\frac{dlnT(r)}{dlnr})

Where \rho_g(r) and T(r) are the gas density and temperature.

Homework Equations


From my notes:
\frac{dP_g(r)}{dr} = -\frac{GM(r)\rho_g(r)}{r^2}

and

P_g(r) = N_g(r)kT(r) = \frac{\rho_g(r)}{\mu m_p}kT(r)

The Attempt at a Solution


I have done this question before I should add, so I know it works. It was part of a homework, but the work was never given back so I can't check it there. I'm just doing it now as part of my revision.

The way I was going to head about this question was to differentiate the second of the two equations with respect to r, and set them equal to each other. However when doing this I can't see how the final answer has logs in it, as I seem to be getting:
\frac{dP_g(r)}{dr} = \frac{k}{\mu m_p}(\rho_g(r)\frac{dT(r)}{dr} + T(r)\frac{d\rho_g(r)}{dr})

Have I gone wrong with my differentiating somewhere? Its been a long time since I've had any real practice this year, so I wouldn't be all that surprised.

I also think I have one too many factors of r as well, but the equation in the notes has r^2

Any hints would be appreciated. Thanks
 
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You're going along the right lines. Now, you need to replace your derivatives in your expression for dP/dr with the derivatives involving logs in the solution.

For example, one can write \frac{d\ln T}{d \ln r}=\frac{d\ln T}{dr}\frac{dr}{d \ln r}, using the chain rule.

The second part on the RHS is just the reciprocal of d/dr{lnr}. You can then write the logarithmic derivative of T in terms of the derivative of T. Do the same for \rho, and you should have your answer. Post how you get on, and I'll be happy to give further comments.
 
I'm not really seeing what you mean. Can you expand on this a bit further please?
 
Brewer said:
I'm not really seeing what you mean. Can you expand on this a bit further please?

Well, \frac{d\ln T}{d \ln r}=\frac{d\ln T}{dr}\frac{dr}{d \ln r} = \frac{dT}{dr}\frac{d \ln T}{dT} \cdot r =\frac{dT}{dr}\frac{1}{T}\cdot r

Then, rearranging, gives \frac{dT}{dr}=\frac{T}{r}\frac{d \ln T}{d \ln r}, which you can then substitute into your expression for dP/dr.

Do this, and the same for rho, and you should obtain the expression in your first post.
 
Hmmm...

I think I see it now. Having looked up the rules for differentiating logs!

Thanks for your help.
 

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