There are free electrons in the Sun\'s photosphere. Let\'s see where they come f

Question

There are free electrons in the Sun's photosphere. Let's see where they come from. The following is a table listing some elements in the photosphere, including the relative abundance (i.e.. the number of atoms of each element per atom of hydrogen), the first ionization potential, and the partition functions of the neutral and first ionized stages. The free electron pressure in the Sun's photosphere is P_r 15 g cm^-1 s^-2 and the temperature is is T_ = 5780 K. Use the classical ideal gas law to determine the free electron number density, n_x, in the photosphere.

Explanation / Answer

ideal gas law

PV = nRT, n is the number of moles, here each electron can be consdiered as one mole

V/n = RT/P or

n/V = P/RT , the left side is the number of electrons per unit volume or the number density

P = 15 g cm-1 s-2

   = 1.5 kg m-1 s-2   , we convert all to SI units

      (n/V) = 1.5/8.314*5780

               = 3.13e-5 m-3 , electron number density

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.