We are going to make a simple approximation of the number of atoms in the universe. Assume all the atoms in the universe are hydrogen. (In actual practice, over 75% of the atoms in the universe are hydrogen.) Assume the sun is a typical star (made of pure hydrogen) has a density of 1.4 g/cm3 and is a sphere with a radius of 7.0*108m Assume that there are 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy that are identical to our sun. Assume that there are 10 billion galaxies in the universe identical to our Milky Way galaxy.  How many atoms are there in the universe?

University Physics Volume 3
17th Edition
ISBN:9781938168185
Author:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Chapter5: Relativity
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Problem 62P: The Big Bang that began the universe is estimated to have released of energy. How many stars could...
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We are going to make a simple approximation of the number of atoms in the universe.

      1. Assume all the atoms in the universe are hydrogen. (In actual practice, over 75% of the atoms in the universe are hydrogen.)
      2. Assume the sun is a typical star (made of pure hydrogen) has a density of 1.4 g/cm3 and is a sphere with a radius of 7.0*108m
      3. Assume that there are 100 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy that are identical to our sun.
      4. Assume that there are 10 billion galaxies in the universe identical to our Milky Way galaxy.

         How many atoms are there in the universe?
Expert Solution
Step 1

Given that,

Density of sun = 1.4 g/cm3

Radius of sun = 7.0×108 m =7.0×1010 cm

Mass of the sun = Density × Volume 

putting the values 

Mass of the sun = 1.4×43π7×10103=2.011×1033 g

 

Average atomic mass of hydrogen atom =1.008 amu

Avogadro's number = 6.02×1023 of atoms in 1 mole of hydrogen

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