Chapter 33, Problem 17TE

To determine

The indication of the statement “Some stars contain fewer heavy elements than our Sun contains” about the age of stars containing fewer heavy elements relative to the age of the Sun.

Answer to Problem 17TE

The age of stars having fewer heavy elements is greater than the age of the Sun.

Explanation of Solution

At the beginning of the creation of the universe, only fewer elements, such as hydrogen and helium, were present along with some lithium and beryllium gases. The hydrogen and helium gases inside the star’s core fused to produce high energies. When the hydrogen fuel inside the core is used up, helium atoms combined to give carbon atoms. The carbon atoms fused to produce heavier elements like neon and magnesium. The element iron was produced by further fusions inside the dying star.

A supernova explosion followed it, releasing high amounts of energies. As a result, heavier elements like silver, gold, and uranium were produced inside the stars. These heavier elements spread into space, and new stars were formed in the atmosphere. Thus, new stars contain heavier elements in comparison to the old stars. So, the stars formed before the Sun have fewer heavy elements.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the age of stars having fewer heavy elements is greater than the age of the Sun.