What is the percentage of heavy element of the sun?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the percentage of heavy elements (elements heavier than helium) in the sun, specifically focusing on the interior composition rather than the photospheric composition. Participants explore theoretical aspects related to stellar formation and the implications for the sun's current state on the main sequence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the percentage of heavy elements in the sun, emphasizing the interior rather than the photospheric composition.
  • Another participant suggests that during star formation, the gas cloud is assumed to be a homogeneous mixture, which could lead to a consistent heavy element composition throughout the sun's interior.
  • A different participant estimates the heavy element composition to be around 1.6-1.8%, noting that this varies depending on the model used.
  • Another comment highlights that while the percentage of heavy elements is small, it is significantly larger than the mass of Earth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying estimates for the percentage of heavy elements, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the exact composition and its implications.

Contextual Notes

There is an assumption of homogeneity in the initial gas cloud during star formation, which may not account for potential convection effects. The discussion does not resolve the exact percentage of heavy elements, and the estimates provided depend on different models.

magnetar
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what is the percentage of heavy element (heavier than helium) of the sun? (not the photospheric composition)
 
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I can't answer this exactly, but I think that during star formation, the collapsing gas cloud is assumed to be a homogeneous mixture. If not, there could be significant convection throughout the majority of the proto-star, which mixes the elements into a homogeneous state. The sun is on the main sequence right now, so no heavy elements are created inside the sun. This means that given a homogeneous initial mixture, the heavy element composition in the interior of the sun should be the same as the photospheric composition.

Wikipedia says that the sun's metallicity = .0177
 
It's of order 1.6-1.8%, depending on the model.
 
Just know that it's a very small percentage but much larger than the mass of Earth.
 

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