Question

how long could the sun continue producing energy at this rate? remember, it has about 8.8 × 10^56 hydrogen atoms. estimate (9 × 10^56)/(4 × 10^38). each second, the sun converts about 3.7 × 10^38 hydrogen atoms to helium and energy.

Explanation:

Step1: Divide the coefficients

Divide 9 by 4. $9\div4 = 2.25$.

Step2: Divide the powers of 10

Use the rule $\frac{a^m}{a^n}=a^{m - n}$. Here, $a = 10$, $m = 56$ and $n=38$. So, $\frac{10^{56}}{10^{38}}=10^{56 - 38}=10^{18}$.

Step3: Combine the results

The result of $\frac{9\times10^{56}}{4\times10^{38}}$ is $2.25\times10^{18}$.

Answer:

$2.25\times10^{18}$