Calculating velocity dispersion of hydrogen atoms in solar photosphere

[neslorelyks]

1. Calculate the velocity dispersion for hydrogen atoms in the solar photosphere, which has a temperature of 5800 K.


2. I know no equations to solve the problem.



3. I have no idea any method of going about solving for velocity dispersion. I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks

 

[gabbagabbahey]

Hi neslorelyks, welcome to PF!

What course is this problem for? Statistical mechanics perhaps? Introductory astrophysics?

 

[neslorelyks]

I am taking an astrophysics course. Thanks for the reply. I need some guidance about how to go about solving any velocity dispersion problem. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[gabbagabbahey]

I'm not sure how well it applies to a gas as hot as the Hydrogen in the solar photosphere, but you might want to look up the "Maxwell distribution" in your textbook for starters

 

[neslorelyks]

Thank you