An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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A general equation applicable to a gravitationally → bound system of equal mass objects (stars, galaxies, etc.), which is stable against → dynamical disruption. It states that in such a system the average → gravitational potential energy (W_vir) is twice the average → kinetic energy (K_vir) of the system: W_vir = -2K_vir. This general proposition, first derived by Rudolf Clausius (1822-1888), has important applications in a variety of fields ranging from statistical mechanics to astrophysics. See also → virialization, → virial equilibrium, → virialized.

→ virial; → theorem.