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F = ma (11–17)
Gravitation
FMA-2023-15 · 2023 F = ma (AAPT)

2023 F = ma Exam — Question 15

The following plot shows the speed v(r) at which stars orbit about the center of a galaxy, as a function of their distance r from the center. v(r) r Assuming the galaxy has a spherically symmetric mass distribution, which plot best shows the mass of the galaxy M (r) enclosed within radius r?  M (r) M (r)
Source: Question 15, 2023 F = ma Exam, © 2023 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.