Nucleocosmochronology: hydrogen/helium ratio and its change

  • Thread starter Thread starter Logarythmic
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Change Ratio
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the maximum fraction of total mass converted from hydrogen to helium in a galaxy with a mass-to-light ratio of 10 in solar units over 10 billion years. The mass deficit for the reaction 4H → 4He is established at 0.7%. Participants explore the application of the decay formula N/N0 = e^(-λt) and seek clarification on the half-life of the proton-proton reaction to solve the problem effectively. The conversation highlights the intersection of astrophysics and nuclear physics in understanding stellar evolution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mass-to-light ratio in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with nuclear reactions, specifically 4H → 4He
  • Knowledge of exponential decay formulas in physics
  • Basic concepts of stellar evolution over cosmological timescales
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the half-life of the proton-proton reaction in stellar environments
  • Study the implications of mass deficits in nuclear fusion processes
  • Explore the role of mass-to-light ratios in galaxy formation and evolution
  • Investigate the principles of nucleocosmochronology and its applications in astrophysics
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying stellar evolution and nuclear physics, particularly those interested in the processes of nucleocosmochronology and the transformation of hydrogen into helium in stars.

Logarythmic
Messages
277
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Assume that the mass-to-light ratio, M/L, for the galaxy is, and has always been, 10 in solar units. What is the maximum fraction of the total mass that could have been burnt into helium from hydrogen over 10^{10} years? (The mass deficit for the reaction 4H \rightarrow ^4He is 0.7%)


2. The attempt at a solution
"10 in solar units" should mean

\frac{M}{L} = 10 \frac{M_{\odot}}{L_{\odot}}

but then what? This is a basic nuclear physics problem, isn't it?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Can I use

\frac{N}{N_0} = e^{-\lambda t_s}

and put t_s = 10^{10}? If so I need to know the "half-life" for the proton-proton reaction. But there is something with the mass deficit aswell... As you can see, I'm not too good at nuclear physics.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K