- #1
CharlesDamle
- 17
- 3
- Homework Statement
- Calculate the decrease in Solar radius per year using the Virial Theorem
- Relevant Equations
- L_G = -(1/2) * (GM^2/R^2) * (dR/dt)
Hello, I am trying to solve this question:
Assume that the Sun's energy production doesn't happen by fusion processes, but is caused by a slow compression and that the radiated energy can be described by the Virial Theorem: $$L_G = - \frac{1}{2} \frac{GM^2}{R^2} \frac{dR}{dt} $$
How much must the Sun's radius decrease per year in order to uphold its energy production?
I'm not quite sure what LG is, but I've tried inserting the gravitational term of the Virial Theorem, but that gives a decrease in solar radius of the entire Sun's radius per second... A hint would be amazing, if anyone knows what LG represents.
Cheers
Assume that the Sun's energy production doesn't happen by fusion processes, but is caused by a slow compression and that the radiated energy can be described by the Virial Theorem: $$L_G = - \frac{1}{2} \frac{GM^2}{R^2} \frac{dR}{dt} $$
How much must the Sun's radius decrease per year in order to uphold its energy production?
I'm not quite sure what LG is, but I've tried inserting the gravitational term of the Virial Theorem, but that gives a decrease in solar radius of the entire Sun's radius per second... A hint would be amazing, if anyone knows what LG represents.
Cheers