Chapter 34, Problem 13TE

If the initial universe remained hotter for a longer period of time, would there likely be more or less helium?

To determine

Whether the amount of helium present in universe will be more or less.

Answer to Problem 13TE

If universe remains hotter for long time, then it generates helium in the large amount in universe.

Explanation of Solution

The universe is formed by the big bang event, a great and huge explosion which occurred 13 billion years ago. It was extremely hot and denser. It takes time to cool down and secondly, the explosion of it tends to the formation of the simplest element.

If the initial universe remains hotter for a longer time, then more number of hydrogen atoms would have fused with the helium atom, and resulting in the greater amount of helium in the universe.

Conclusion:

Therefore, if universe remains hotter for long time, then it generates helium in the large amount in universe.