How does the mass of all the interstellar matter in our galaxy compare with the total mass of its stars?
To compare the mass of the interstellar matter with the total mass of stars in our galaxy, we need to look at the available data and perform some calculations. Here's how you can do it:
1. Determine the mass of interstellar matter: Interstellar matter consists of gas, dust, and particles that exist between stars. The most common component is atomic hydrogen (H) gas. Scientists typically measure interstellar matter in terms of its hydrogen content, or "atomic hydrogen mass." You can find this value in scientific literature or databases.
2. Calculate the total mass of interstellar matter: Multiply the atomic hydrogen mass by a factor called the "conversion factor," which relates the observed atomic hydrogen mass to the total mass of all interstellar matter in our galaxy. This factor accounts for other elements and compounds present in interstellar matter. The precise value of the conversion factor may vary, but a commonly used value is around 1.4. Multiply the atomic hydrogen mass by this factor to estimate the total mass of interstellar matter.
3. Determine the total mass of stars: The total mass of stars in our galaxy can be obtained by estimating the average mass of a star and then multiplying it by the total number of stars in the galaxy. The average mass of a star can vary, but a commonly used value is around one solar mass, which is equivalent to the mass of our Sun. The total number of stars in our galaxy is estimated to be around 100 to 400 billion.
4. Compare the two masses: Divide the estimated total mass of interstellar matter (from step 2) by the estimated total mass of stars (from step 3) to get the ratio. This ratio will provide an indication of how the masses of interstellar matter and stars in our galaxy compare.
By following these steps, you can obtain an approximation of the mass ratio between the interstellar matter and stars in our galaxy. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific data and assumptions used.