If we found a star cluster at the edge of the disk of the Milky Way at a distance of 10 kpc from the center, and it orbited with a velocity of 250 km/s, what would be the total mass enclosed within this radius?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the total mass enclosed within a radius of 10 kpc from the center of the Milky Way can be estimated using the formula M = v^2 * r / G, where M is the mass, v is the velocity, r is the radius, and G is the gravitational constant. Plugging in the given values, we get M = (250 km/s)^2 * (10 kpc) / (6.674e-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2) = 1.4e11 Msun.

If We Found a Star Cluster at the Edge of the Disk