An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 11.3
The Interstellar Medium and Star Formation — Carroll & Ostlie
Physics — Astrophysics · saha-equation-hydrogen
Problem
Using the Saha equation, calculate the ratio of the number of H− ions to neutral hydrogen atoms in the Sun's photosphere. Take the temperature of the gas to be the effective temperature, and assume that the electron pressure is 1.5N m−2. Note that the Pauli exclusion principle requires that only one state can exist for the ion because its two electrons must have opposite spins.