What is the mean moleculer weight of the gas at the solar core?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the mean molecular weight of gas in the solar core, emphasizing the composition of hydrogen and helium. Participants clarify that X equals 1 when all gas is ionized hydrogen, and there is confusion regarding the conversion of mean molecular weight to the weight of hydrogen atoms. The weight of hydrogen is noted as 1.67 x 10^-27 kg, but its relevance is questioned. The final point addresses the units of the mean molecular weight, with consensus that it is dimensionless. The conversation highlights the complexities of understanding molecular weight in astrophysical contexts.
Thomas Smith
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Homework Statement
A crude model of the sun has uniform density. The perfect gas law applies and the core is completely ionised and made up by 75% hydrogen and 25% helium by mass. In terms of mass of the hydrogen atom, find the mean molecular weight of the gas at the stellar core.
Relevant Equations
u=(2X+3/4Y+1/2Z)^-1
242501


Here, i have provided the description of the mean molecular weight from my course notes as well as my workings.

I'm not sure about my values for X and Y. It states that X=1 if all of the hydrogen is ionised which i think the 1 represents 100% hydrogen but the core is also made up of ionised helium to, not only hydrogen which is why I have included the 75%= 0.75 of hydrogen as the abundance and the 25% = 0.25 of helium as the abundance.

I know the weight of the hydrogen atom is 1.67 x 10^-27 kg but not sure how the supposed answer of the mean molecular weight is converted to in terms of the weight of the hydrogen atom.
 

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Thomas Smith said:
It states that X=1 if all of the hydrogen is ionised
No, X=1 if all of the gas is ionised hydrogen.
Thomas Smith said:
I know the weight of the hydrogen atom is 1.67 x 10^-27 kg
Not relevant.

I believe your calculation is correct.
 
haruspex said:
No, X=1 if all of the gas is ionised hydrogen.

Not relevant.

I believe your calculation is correct.
Thank you for your reply, what units is my answer in? mH ?
 
Thomas Smith said:
Thank you for your reply, what units is my answer in? mH ?
All I know of this subject is from a little online research to answer your question. As far as I can make out, it is dimensionless.
 
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