An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 10.1

The Sun — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · hydrostatic-equilibrium-optical-depth

Problem

Show that the equation for hydrostatic equilibrium, Eq. (10.6), can also be written in terms of the optical depth τ\tau, as dPdτ=gκˉ.\frac{dP}{d\tau} = \frac{g}{\bar{\kappa}}. This form of the equation is often useful in building model stellar atmospheres.

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