In the Densest Molecular Clouds, the Average Density Is Approximately $\odot$

question 34

Essay

In the densest molecular clouds, the average density is approximately 300 atoms/cm³. If a cube of molecular cloud gas with this density contained 100 M _$\odot$ of material (the amount needed to make a 1 M _$\odot$ star), what would be the length of a side of the cube in units of AU? For reference, the mass of the Sun is 2 * 10³⁰ kg, the mass of a hydrogen atom is 1.7 *10 ^{- 27} kg, and 1 AU = 1.5 * 10¹¹ m.

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Definitions:

Jasmonic Acid

A plant hormone involved in various plant processes, including growth, reproduction, and defense against pests and diseases.

Phototropins

A family of yellow pigments responsible for such blue light responses as the phototropic response and stomatal opening.

Light-Activated Kinases

Enzymes that become active in response to light, playing a crucial role in various biological processes, including photosynthesis and circadian rhythms.

Hypersensitive Response

A rapid and localized defense mechanism in plants that triggers cell death at the site of pathogen infection to limit its spread.