An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 8.13

Stellar Atmospheres — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · saha-equation-calcium-ionization

Problem

Use the information in Example 8.1.5 to calculate the ratio of doubly to singly ionized calcium atoms (Ca III/Ca II) in the Sun's photosphere. The ionization energy of Ca II is χII=11.9\chi_{\rm II} = 11.9 eV. Use ZIII=1Z_{\rm III} = 1 for the partition function of Ca III. Is your result consistent with the statement in Example 8.1.5 that in the solar photosphere, ``nearly all of the calcium atoms are available for forming the H and K lines of calcium''?

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