An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 8.12

Stellar Atmospheres — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · saha-equation-solar-center

Problem

Use the Saha equation to determine the fraction of hydrogen atoms that are ionized, NII/NtotalN_{\rm II}/N_{\rm total}, at the center of the Sun. Here the temperature is 15.7 million K and the number density of electrons is about ne=6.1×1031n_e = 6.1 \times 10^{31} m−3^{-3}. (Use ZI=2Z_I = 2.) Does your result agree with the fact that practically all of the Sun's hydrogen is ionized at the Sun's center? What is the reason for any discrepancy?

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