Chapter 15, Problem 1RQ

What produced the helium now present in the Sun’s atmosphere? In Jupiter’s atmosphere? In the Sun’s core?

To determine

What produced the helium now present in the atmosphere of the Sun, in Jupiter’s atmosphere and in the Sun’s core.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The helium in the Sun’s atmosphere was produced by fusion of hydrogen to helium in the Sun’s core. Since planets were formed at the same time as the Sun, Jupiter’s atmosphere also contains Helium.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The Solar Nebula theory for evolution of the Solar system rests on the following premises:

1. A rotating cloud of gas collects and flattens itself into a disc.

2. The disc becomes thinner with the Sun at the center.

3.The disc clears after the gas coalesces into planets.

The Big Bang theory presumes the Universe to have formed out of an explosion. In a few moments after Big Bang, the intense temperature, resulted in formation of protons, neutrons and electrons. The protons fused together due the prevalent high temperature to produce Helium.

A cloud of gas mainly containing Hydrogen and Helium stars to collect and rotate about an axis. The cloud of gas flattens itself into a thin disc with the Sun at the center. The gas in the disc coalesces into planets.

The Solar system was formed at the same time as the Sun. Hence the core of the Sun contains Helium formed by fusion of protons. The atmosphere of the Sun contains the same elements present in the Sun’s core. The planets were formed at the same time as the Sun. Hence Jupiter’s atmosphere also contains Helium. Helium is retained in the atmosphere of Jupiter due to its great gravitational force.

Conclusion:

Thus, the helium in the Sun’s atmosphere was produced by fusion of hydrogen to helium in the Sun’s core and since planets were formed at the same time as the Sun, Jupiter’s atmosphere also contains Helium.