Density of the sun as a white dwarf.

In summary, the sun's density at the end of its lifetime as a white dwarf will be approximately 6.338 x 10^23 g/cm^3. This is calculated by dividing the sun's mass, which remains about 1.99 x 10^33 kg, by the volume of the white dwarf, which is approximately 4/3(3.14)(7.5 x 10^8)^3 cm^3.
  • #1
Bottomsouth
27
0

Homework Statement



In about 5 billion years, at the end of its lifetime, our sun will end up as a white dwarf, having about the same mass as it does now, but reduced to about 15,000 km in diameter.What will be its density at that stage?

g/cm^3

Homework Equations



D=m/v
4/3(3.14)r^3

The Attempt at a Solution



Sun's mass is Sun's mass is = 1.99 x 10^30 kg
kg to g = 1.99 x 10^33
v = 7500 km to 750,000,000 centimeter

D = 1.99 x 10^33 / (4/3)(3.14)(7.5 x 10^33)^3 = 1.12 x 10^54 ?

Is this correct? I have been getting it wrong each time I input the answer
 
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  • #2
Look at what you put for the radius in your equation.
 
  • #3
D = 1.99 x 10^33 / (4/3)(3.14)(7.5 x 10^9)^3 = 2.09 x 10^11?
 
  • #4
You're off by a factor of 10 somewhere. Careful of your exponents.
 
  • #5
D = 1.99 x 10^33 / (4/3)(3.14)(7.5 x 10^8)^3 = 6.338 x 10^23
Seems to be wrong.
 
  • #6
Your equation is correct. Take it one step at a time.
 
  • #7
negitron said:
Take it one step at a time.

Agreed. What is the volume? Then take the ratio mass/volume.
 

FAQ: Density of the sun as a white dwarf.

What is the density of the sun as a white dwarf?

The density of the sun as a white dwarf is approximately 1 ton per cubic centimeter. This is incredibly dense, as it is about 200,000 times denser than the Earth's average density.

How does the density of a white dwarf compare to the sun's density as a main sequence star?

The density of a white dwarf is much higher than the sun's density as a main sequence star. This is because as the sun evolves and runs out of fuel, it loses mass and its core collapses, resulting in a smaller and denser white dwarf.

What is the cause of the high density of a white dwarf?

The high density of a white dwarf is caused by the compression of its core due to the gravitational force. As the core collapses, the atoms are squeezed together, resulting in a higher density.

How does the density of a white dwarf affect its size?

The high density of a white dwarf results in a smaller size compared to when the sun was a main sequence star. This is because the gravitational force compresses the core and reduces the size of the star.

What are the limitations of using density to describe a white dwarf?

Density alone cannot fully describe a white dwarf as it is also affected by other factors such as temperature and composition. These factors can also vary among different white dwarfs, resulting in variations in density. Additionally, the concept of density may not accurately apply to white dwarfs, as they have different physical properties compared to regular matter.

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