State of the Universe if we increase/decrease the binding energy of deuterium

In summary, the conversation discusses different changes to the binding energy of deuterium and their impact on the formation of heavy elements and the possibility of life in the universe. It is concluded that decreasing the binding energy would make it more difficult for heavy elements to form, while increasing it would have less of an effect.
  • #1
Phys12
351
42
[Sorry for the vague title, had a limit.]

I have a question given in my Astronomy class:
Below is a list of possible ways in which the universe could have been different. Some of these changes would make life as we know it impossible in our universe.

Tick the boxes next to all the changes that would definitely make life as we know it impossible. You may assume that there were many more protons than neutrons even before neutrons start to decay.

1) Decreasing the binding energy of deuterium, so that deuterium cannot form until an hour after the Big Bang.

2) Increasing the binding energy of deuterium so that it can form less than ten seconds after the Big Bang

The explanation for why the first one is true and not the second one is given as follows:
"If the binding energy of Deuterium were decreased, neutrons would decay before being combined into nuclei, making heavy element formation impossible. Increasing the binding energy would make less difference."

However, if you decrease the binding energy of deuterium, wouldn't it make it easier for neutrons to combine into nuclei? And if you increase the binding energy, wouldn't there be less Hydrogen which would later fuse to Hydrogen and so on to make life possible?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Phys12 said:
However, if you decrease the binding energy of deuterium, wouldn't it make it easier for neutrons to combine into nuclei?

A decreased binding energy would make it easier for a newly formed deuteron to split back into a proton and a neutron. Our universe had to cool down to about 109 kelvins before deuterium could form. Reducing the binding energy would have required an even longer cooling off period before deuterium could form. Reduce it enough and the waiting period will be so long that almost all of the neutrons will have decayed into protons.[/QUOTE]
 

1. What is deuterium and its role in the universe?

Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in its nucleus. It is present in small amounts in the Earth's oceans and plays a crucial role in the formation of stars and galaxies.

2. How does the binding energy of deuterium affect the state of the universe?

The binding energy of deuterium is a measure of the strength of the nuclear force that holds the nucleus together. Changes in this energy can impact the stability and abundance of deuterium in the universe, which in turn affects the rate of star formation and the overall structure of the universe.

3. What happens if we increase the binding energy of deuterium?

If we increase the binding energy of deuterium, it becomes more difficult for deuterium atoms to fuse together and form heavier elements. This can lead to a decrease in the production of heavier elements, such as carbon and oxygen, which are essential for the formation of planets and life.

4. What are the potential consequences of decreasing the binding energy of deuterium?

If the binding energy of deuterium is decreased, it becomes easier for deuterium atoms to fuse together and create heavier elements. This can result in an increase in the production of heavier elements, potentially altering the chemical composition of the universe and impacting the evolution of stars and galaxies.

5. Can we manipulate the binding energy of deuterium?

As scientists, we are constantly studying and learning about the universe and its fundamental forces, including the binding energy of deuterium. While we currently do not have the ability to directly manipulate this energy, our understanding of it can help us make predictions and better understand the state of the universe.

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