ASTR 410 Problem Set 03: The Rotation Curve and the Missing Mass and Spiral Structure, Bars, and Galactic Resonances: quantitative reasoning

Student assignment ยท submit calculations and reproducible analysis

Objectives

Instructions

Show equations, units, intermediate steps, and a final interpretation. Code is required for the data question; include the input filename and software environment. Cite data and readings. Revisions and resubmissions are encouraged when accompanied by a change note.

Problem 1

Derive the governing relation used in Lecture 05 and state two assumptions. Apply it to the supplied data or constants; retain units.

Problem 2

Use the ASTR410 CSV associated with Unit 3 to make one plot, fit or transform the requested quantity, and report a sensitivity test that changes one modeling choice.

Problem 3

A colleague claims the displayed trend proves a unique physical explanation. Write a 250-word rebuttal that distinguishes observation, inference, and alternative models.

Problem 4

Challenge: compare the result with a second tracer or literature value. Identify whether the comparison is limited by measurement error, selection, or model mismatch.

Exact reading anchor

OpenStax Astronomy 2e, Chapter 25, Review Question 3 and Thought Question 17. These identifiers were checked against the local extracted problem index and the Chapter 25 exercise block; human spot-check against the adopted PDF remains required.

Deliverables

Written derivation, labeled plot, code or notebook, uncertainty statement, and bibliography. Total: 100 points.