Light element abundances for He3/H?

In summary, measuring the ratio of He3/H can provide valuable insights into the history of nucleosynthesis and the evolution of galaxies. This is typically done through spectroscopy or other precise methods. The ratio can be affected by factors such as the age and composition of the universe, and studying it has practical applications in various fields. Our understanding of light element abundances has improved over time with new observations and advancements in technology.
  • #1
Aidyan
180
13
I'm trying to understand the Schram plot, which is the graph of wiki here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmological_lithium_problem
I do not understand why the yellow box (the observed light element abundance) for H3/H (red stripe) is absent? Is there any reason for this?

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  • #2


The light element abundance for He3/H is an important parameter in understanding the Schram plot and the cosmological lithium problem. The Schram plot is a graph that compares the observed abundances of light elements, such as lithium, helium, and deuterium, with the predictions of Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

The yellow box in the Schram plot represents the observed abundances of light elements, and the red stripe represents the predicted abundances based on Big Bang nucleosynthesis. The absence of the yellow box for He3/H indicates that there is currently no direct observational data for this ratio.

This is due to the difficulty in measuring the abundance of He3 in the universe. He3 is a rare isotope of helium and is not as abundant as He4. The abundance of He3 in the universe is also affected by various astrophysical processes, such as stellar nucleosynthesis and cosmic ray interactions.

Therefore, while the observed abundances of other light elements, such as lithium and deuterium, have been measured and are included in the yellow box, the abundance of He3 is still uncertain and is not included in the Schram plot. However, ongoing research and advancements in technology may provide more accurate measurements of the He3 abundance in the future, which could help to further understand the cosmological lithium problem.
 

1. What is the significance of measuring light element abundances for He3/H?

The ratio of He3/H is an important indicator of the early universe's conditions and the processes that have shaped its evolution. It can also provide insights into the formation of stars and galaxies.

2. How are light element abundances for He3/H measured?

Scientists use spectroscopy techniques to measure the light emitted by stars and other celestial bodies. By analyzing the specific wavelengths of light, they can determine the abundance of different elements, including He3 and H.

3. What is the expected ratio of He3/H in the universe?

The predicted ratio of He3/H is approximately 10^-5, meaning that for every million hydrogen atoms, there should be about 1 He3 atom. However, this ratio can vary depending on the age and composition of the observed object.

4. How do light element abundances for He3/H vary across different cosmic environments?

The ratio of He3/H can vary significantly across different regions of the universe. For example, it is expected to be higher in regions with a higher density of stars, as more He3 is produced through nuclear fusion in stars. It can also vary based on the age and composition of the observed object.

5. What can the abundance of He3/H tell us about the early universe?

The abundance of He3/H can provide valuable information about the conditions of the early universe, such as the temperature, density, and expansion rate. It can also give insights into the processes that have shaped the evolution of the universe, such as nucleosynthesis and cosmic ray interactions.

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