Volume of nebula needed to form a star with same number of atoms as sun

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a nebula required to form a star with a similar number of atoms as the sun. The problem involves understanding atomic separation in both the nebula and the sun, as well as the relevant volume calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of calculating the volume of the sun and how to relate that to the volume of the nebula based on atomic separation. There is questioning of the assumptions made regarding the relationship between volume and atomic density.

Discussion Status

Some participants express frustration with the lack of clarity in their physics textbooks and share similar experiences regarding the problem. There is acknowledgment of the calculations presented, but no consensus on the correct approach or resolution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of working with the provided physics textbooks, which do not thoroughly explain the problem-solving process. There is also mention of seeking additional help from a tutor.

cattons3
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1. Question: In one region of a nebula the mean separation of atoms is 2.3x10^-3 m. What volume of the nebula contains enough atoms to make a star, similar to the sun, of radius 7.0x10^8 m within which the mean distance between atoms is 1.0x10^-10m?



2. Volume of sphere 4/3(pi(r^3 ))


3. Volume sun = 1.4x10^27 m^3. I thought that atoms in sun would be volume divided by separation distance and therefore volume of nebula that contains same number of atoms is atoms times separation distance (of nebula)? my answer was 3.22x10^34 m^3 answer in book is 1.8x10^49 m^3

I really hate these OCR A2 physics books because they don't work through any of the questions..
Help please!
 
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I agree i had the exact same question and objection to the books, i arrived at the same conclusion as you, did you ever resolve the question?
 
I'm sorry that was a while ago now and I can't remember ...
 
HAha fine, I'l go over it with my tutor tomorrow. Well done for putting your working so clearly, it helped.
 

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