= Radiation budget of monatomic cloud collapse
{title2=$E_{\rm rad}=E_i-\Omega_f/2$}
For a hydrostatic monatomic <ideal gas> with negligible external <pressure>, $2U+\Omega_f=0$, where <gravitational potential energy> is negative. The final total <energy> is therefore $\Omega_f/2$, giving the displayed radiated <energy> when no <mass> or other <energy> carrier escapes. The common $-\Omega_f/2$ result additionally takes the initial total <energy> to be negligible. Initial rest does not remove initial self-gravitational <binding energy>.
Back to article page
