203k views
5 votes
Why would one expect lower velecities of stars as they orbit further from galactic centre

a) Gravitational pull is stronger at greater distances
b) Dark matter influences outer orbits more
c) Conservation of angular momentum
d) Stellar winds reduce outer velocities

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

Stars have lower velocities as they orbit further from the galactic center due to conservation of angular momentum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason we would expect lower velocities of stars as they orbit further from the galactic center is due to conservation of angular momentum. Angular momentum is a property of rotating systems, and in the case of stars orbiting a galactic center, it remains the same as long as there are no external torques acting on the system. As the stars move further from the center, they have to cover a larger distance in the same amount of time, which means their velocities must decrease to maintain constant angular momentum.

User Ashton Honnecke
by
8.3k points