This question is directed to observational astrophysicists. I am working on the radiation problem associated with massive star formation. I want to know if the opacity of the gas in molecular does vary with distance from the center of a molecular clouds. I see that in the literature this opacity is assumed to be a constant taking a value of about 20 m^2/kg. I will be happy to get an answer from you!
See attachment!
opacity is a function of three fundamental physical parameters; density, pressure and chemical composition.
since all these quantities vary along the radial distance then the answer should be yes.
It also depends on the wavelength of the radiation used for the oservation and one must allow for scattering by dust particles if they be in the molecular cloud. The cited opacity value above presumably refers to a particular wavelegth.
Thank you all for you responses, I am now attaching a document which you can read to get where I am coming and going!
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