Abstract
The probability distribution of the velocity of gas molecules in a closed container is described by the kinetic theory of gases. When molecules collide or impact the walls of a container, they exchange energy and momentum in accordance with Newton's laws of motion. Between collisions, the trajectory of individual molecules is a straight line, neglecting gravity. During the formation of a galaxy, the stars are constrained to a region of space and exchange energy and momentum in a manner similar to molecules. In this paper, an exact model of an ideal gas is derived and analyzed to determine the probability distribution of the molecular velocities, which are then compared with the probability distribution of velocities associated with stars during galaxy formation.
Original language | American English |
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State | Published - Aug 2013 |
Event | AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference - Hilton Head, SC Duration: Aug 1 2013 → … |
Conference
Conference | AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference |
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Period | 8/1/13 → … |
Keywords
- kinetic theory of gases
- gravity
- molecular velocity
- galaxy formation
Disciplines
- Astrophysics and Astronomy
- External Galaxies
- Physical Processes