Help filling in a formula correctly? Not sure about SI units etc

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Jeans mass of a diffuse hydrogen cloud with a particle density of 3e7 cm-3 and a temperature of 150 K. The formula for Jeans mass is provided, incorporating constants such as Boltzmann's constant (1.38e-23), the gravitational constant (6.673e-11), and the need for the mean molecular weight and mass of gas particles. Participants emphasize the importance of converting units from centimeters to meters for accurate calculations, specifically cubing the conversion factor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Jeans mass formula and its components
  • Knowledge of physical constants: Boltzmann's constant and gravitational constant
  • Familiarity with unit conversion, particularly between centimeters and meters
  • Basic knowledge of hydrogen gas properties, including mean molecular weight
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mean molecular weight of hydrogen gas (H2)
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques, specifically for density measurements
  • Study the implications of Jeans mass in astrophysics
  • Explore the significance of temperature in gas dynamics and cloud formation
USEFUL FOR

Students in astrophysics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in calculations related to gas dynamics and cloud formation in astrophysical contexts.

daleklama
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Homework Statement



It is estimated that a particular diffuse hydrogen cloud has a particle density of 3e7 cm^-3, and the temperature is 150 K.
Calculate Jeans mass.

Homework Equations



Jeans mass is given by: (5kT/GmewM(H))^(3/2) . (3/4∏p)^(1/2)

where k = boltzmanns constant = 1.38e-23
T = temperature in Kelvin = 150K
G = Gravitational constant = 6.673e-11
mew = mean molecular weight = ?
m(H)= mass of gas particles = ?
p = cloud mass density = ?


The Attempt at a Solution



I know I just have to fill in the formula, so it should be simple, but I'm really having trouble calculating the parts of the formula.

I don't have a clue about mean molecular weight OR mass of gas particles, and I THINK the 'cloud mass density' is the number given in the question (3e7 cm^-3) but I don't understand how to convert that to metres (the unit cm^-3 is throwing me off.

I really want to calculate this as accurately as I can, could anyone help please?

Thank you.
 
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daleklama said:
I don't have a clue about mean molecular weight OR mass of gas particles,
You know that the gas is hydrogen, so look it up, keeping in mind that hydrogen gas is H2.

and I THINK the 'cloud mass density' is the number given in the question (3e7 cm^-3) but I don't understand how to convert that to metres (the unit cm^-3 is throwing me off.
Express the centimeter in meters, then cube it.
 

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