Calculating Jean's length for neutral hydrogen cloud

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SUMMARY

The calculation of Jean's length for a neutral hydrogen cloud with a density of n(H I) ~10^8 atoms/m^3 and a temperature of 100K involves using the formula: jean's length = sqrt[(15*K*T)/(4pi*G*u*p)]. The variables include the Boltzmann constant (K), gravitational constant (G), mass per particle (u), and density (p). The mass of a hydrogen atom is correctly identified as 1.67*10^(-27) kg. It is crucial to convert the density from atoms/m^3 to kg/m^3 to obtain a valid astronomical measurement in parsecs, as the initial calculation of 12160m is deemed too small.

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  • Understanding of Jean's length in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with the Boltzmann constant and gravitational constant
  • Knowledge of unit conversions between atoms/m^3 and kg/m^3
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
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Homework Statement


What is the Jean's length in parsecs for a typical neutral hydrogen cloud, which has a density of n(H I) ~10^8 atoms/(m^3) and a temperature of 100K?

Homework Equations


jean's length = sqrt[(15*K*T)/(4pi*G*u*p)]

where:
'K' is the Boltzmann constant
'T' is the temperature of the cloud
'G' is gravitational constant
'u' is Mu or the mass per particle
'p' is Rho or the density of the cloud

I'm assuming 'u' is the mass of a hydrogen atom in kilograms or 1.67*10^(-27)kg?


The Attempt at a Solution


jean's length = 12160m?
That seems far too small for any plausible answer in astronomy, these are usually measured in parsecs
 
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Looks like your units may be wrong. The density you give is atoms/m^3. Scanning the units in the above formula, I think Mu (your u) should be in kg, and the density in the Jeans formula should be kg/m^3. That might give you the additional powers of 10 that you need to get a reasonable answer. Check the units of what you substitute into your formula.

It is good practice always to carry units when substituting. That way, you can check the units of the answer for consistency.
 

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