An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 18.12

Physical Processes in the Solar System — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · nova-binding-energy-vs-kinetic-energy

Problem

Consider a layer of 10−4 M⊙10^{-4}\,\mathrm{M}_\odot of hydrogen on the surface of a white dwarf. Compare the gravitational binding energy before the nova outburst to the kinetic energy of the ejected layer when it has traveled far from the white dwarf and has a speed of 1000 km s−11000\text{ km s}^{-1}.

Related theory

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