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Let $u=u_r<0$ for accretion. The steady spherical continuity equation and radial Euler equations for an inviscid fluid giveFor a barotropic fluid, $dp/dr=c_s^{2}d\rho /dr$. Dividing continuity equation by $r^2\rho u$ gives ${\rho }^{\prime }/\rho =-2/r-u^{\prime }/u$. Eliminating this derivative yieldsAt a smooth transonic critical point, the coefficient of $du/dr$ vanishes. A finite derivative then requires the right side to vanish simultaneously:These are the sonic and regularity conditions. Otherwise the derivative is singular and the proposed smooth transonic passage fails. The local slope must also be a real root compatible with the desired branch. For example, defining $C=\rho d(c_s^2)/d\rho$ at the point and differentiating both sides givesThis explains why simultaneous vanishing is a necessary regularity condition, rather than an automatic proof that every potential admits a critical crossing.

Define the barotropic enthalpy function by $dh=dp/\rho$. The momentum equation integrates to the Bernoulli equationChanging the reference mass density in $h$ changes only the constant $B$. For an isothermal closure this logarithmic function is a barotropic barotropic pressure potential; it should not be confused with the constant thermodynamic specific enthalpy of an ideal gas held at fixed temperature.

For isothermal transonic accretion in the Paczyński-Wiita potential, assume $M>0$ and $c_s>0$, and define $r_B=GM/(2c_s^2)$ and $\beta =16c_s^2/c^2$. The critical equation iswhose two roots are $r_G+\frac{1}{2}{r}_B(1\pm \sqrt{1+\beta })$. Only the plus root lies outside $r_G$. ThereforeFor this isothermal case $C=0$, and the slope relation reduces toThe positive slope is the inward-accretion solution connecting a small inward speed at large radius to the supersonic inward branch. Thus the exterior critical point is a genuine nondegenerate transonic point.

Choose the reference mass density as ${\rho }_0$, so $h=c_s^2\log (\rho /{\rho }_0)$ and $B=0$ from the conditions at infinity. At $u_c=-c_s$,Substitution into $\dot{M}=4\pi r_c^2{\rho }_c{c}_s$ givesThis is the rate selected by the smooth transonic accretion solution. Arbitrary static or subsonic formal solutions are not assigned this rate merely by specifying conditions at infinity. As $r_G/r_B\to 0$, the result tends to the isothermal Bondi accretion rate $\pi e^{3/2}{\rho }_0(GM{)}^2/c_s^3$, a useful normalization check.