A star at a distance of 50000 light years from the center of a galaxy has an orbital speed of 100 km/s around the galactic center. What is the total mass of the galaxy located at distances smaller than 50000 light years from the center? A. 7.6 ×1010 solar masses B. 4.2 ×1011 solar masses C. 3.5 ×1010 solar masses D. 1.4 ×1011 solar masses

Horizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course List)
14th Edition
ISBN:9781305960961
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Chapter13: Galaxies: Normal And Active
Section: Chapter Questions
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A star at a distance of 50000 light years from the center of a galaxy has an orbital speed of 100 km/s around the galactic center. What is the total mass of the galaxy located at distances smaller than 50000 light years from the center?

A. 7.6 ×1010 solar masses

B. 4.2 ×1011 solar masses

C. 3.5 ×1010 solar masses

D. 1.4 ×1011 solar masses

Is the answer C?

M = (r x v^2) / G

= 50000 x 9.46e15 x (100000^2) / 6.67e-11 / 2e30 (the Sun's mass)

= 3.55e10 solar masses

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