White dwarf mass-radius relationship

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenges of solving the mass-radius relationship for white dwarfs, specifically the difficulty in combining equations due to mathematical complexities. A user expresses frustration with their inability to manipulate the equations correctly after several hours of effort. Forum members emphasize the importance of showing work to receive effective help and suggest starting with the density formula by substituting mass over volume. They recommend isolating variables and breaking down numerical constants into prime factors to simplify the equations. The user acknowledges the advice but remains stuck on a specific exponent issue, indicating a need for further clarification.
PeteWheatstraw
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instead of typing it out, here is the problem

whitedwarf_zps675b25b5.png


I know what to do, my math just isn't good enough to combine the equations properly. Been at it a few hours, brain hurts, please help!
 
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Hello PeteWheatstraw,

Welcome to Physics Forums!
PeteWheatstraw said:
instead of typing it out, here is the problem

whitedwarf_zps675b25b5.png


I know what to do, my math just isn't good enough to combine the equations properly. Been at it a few hours, brain hurts, please help!
As part of the forum rules, you need to show your work. If you get stuck, you need to show us where you're stuck. But you at least need to show what you've done so far, in order for help.

But for what it's worth (very general advice), start by substituting mass over volume for the density \rho_c, where the volume is the the volume of a sphere, \frac{4}{3} \pi R^3, and the mass is M.

After rearranging to isolate R, apart from the other variables, you'll end up with a bunch of numerical constants, many of which are under exponents. Break these numbers into their prime factors (e.g., 8 → 2·2·2), multiply out the exponents if necessary (e.g., 35/3 → [3·3·3·3·3]1/3) and regroup things so that you can get the numbers to be under the exponents that you want (e.g., [3·3·3·3·3]1/3 → 3·[3·3]1/3 → 3·32/3).
 
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Thanks for the tips.

some how I end up with (I'd type it all out but it's late)...

2∏R/3G=1/M^-1/3

and I'm stuck, and I know its wrong in the 1st place...I'll try again in the morning. Really my issue is I have no idea what to do with the 5/3 exponent and when to do it.

Thanks again though.
 
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