Saha Equation: Unravelling the Mystery of Hydrogen Ionization in Sun's Core

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Saha Equation, specifically its application to hydrogen ionization in the Sun's core. The user calculated a value of 1.56x10-28 for the ratio NII/(NI+NII), where NII represents ionized hydrogen and NI represents neutral hydrogen. The user expressed confusion over the expected outcome, as the calculation suggests that almost all hydrogen remains neutral, contradicting the assertion that nearly all hydrogen is ionized in the Sun's core. Further examination of the equation and its components is necessary to resolve this discrepancy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Saha Equation and its variables
  • Knowledge of ionization processes in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with hydrogen ionization states (NII and NI)
  • Basic grasp of scientific notation and unit analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the Saha Equation in detail, focusing on its derivation and applications
  • Study the conditions of hydrogen ionization in stellar environments
  • Examine examples of ionization equilibrium in astrophysical contexts
  • Learn about the implications of ionization fractions on stellar structure and evolution
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in stellar physics and the processes governing hydrogen ionization in stars.

leroyjenkens
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In the picture, I have the question and the Saha Equation.
I have all the correct answers for all the variables and constants on the right side of the equation, and I've done the calculation twice, and I'm getting an answer of 1.56x10-28
That is equal to the left side, which is NII/(NI+NII).
NII are ionized hydrogens and NI are neutral hydrogens.

Edit: Actually, after looking at it, what is the left side of that equation? It's not NII/(NI+NII), is it? The text of this book had me thinking it was.

The question indicates that almost all of the hydrogens will be ionized in the core of the sun, but that means I'm supposed to be getting an extremely large number, not an extremely small one. My answer indicates that almost all of the hydrogens have not been ionized. I don't see a way around that given this equation.

Thanks.
 

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Ok after looking at an example in the book, I think I need to put that tiny number into NII/(NI+NII)

With NII being the ionized hydrogen, and NI being neutral hydrogen. But getting that extremely small number says that I have almost zero ionized hydrogens, which makes no sense. Do the units make sense in this equation? I think there's no way that the small number I got is correct.
 

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