The formula for the Jeans length is , where m is the single particle mass and ρ_m is the density. Population III stars formed in the early universe where the material consisted almost entirely of hydrogen and helium rather than material enriched by heavy elements. Thus, for the formation of Population III stars, L_J was: A)small because ρ_m was large. B)small because m was large. C)large because m was small. D)unaffected by the composition of the material.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Jeans length formula states that L_J is proportional to the square root of m/ρ_m. Since the material for Population III star formation consisted almost entirely of light elements like hydrogen and helium, the density ρ_m would have been low. Therefore, L_J would have been larger with a smaller m.

The Formula for the Jeans Length Is , Where