The total energy stored in a radio lobe is about 10^53 J. How many solar masses would have to be converted to energy to produce this energy? Hints: Use E= mc^2. One solar mass equals 2 x 10^30 kg.
I do not even know where to begin. For some reason, I just don't get these kinds of problems. If anyone knows the answer or can suggest how to go about answering it, I would greatly appreciate it.
2006-07-17 05:58:38 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
They give you the energy in Joules, so all you need is c in M/s to calculate the mass in kg.
The value of c is 3 x 10^5 km/s or 3 x 10^8 M/s so:
10^53=M(3 x 10^8)^2
10^53=M*9 x 10^16
M=10^53/(9 x 10^16)
M=1.111... x 10^36
And they give you the solar mass, 2 x 10^30, so just divide:
1.111... x 10^36 / 2 x 10^30 = 555,556 solar masses.
2006-07-17 06:14:51 · answer #1 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically one solar mass produces, according to E=mc^2, 1.8x10^47J of energy (2x10^30 x (3x10^8)^2). So 1x10^53J of energy is equivalent to the energy produced from about 555,556 solar masses (1x10^53)/(1.8x10^47)
Hope that helps.
2006-07-17 13:17:04 · answer #2 · answered by Simon C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what unit you are calculating the speed of light at. Is it km/h, mph, m/s, tell me...
2006-07-17 13:05:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋