A particular giant molecular cloud has a mass of 400,000 solar masses.What is the mass of hydrogen in this cloud?
A) 100,000 solar masses
B) 4000 solar masses
C) 392,000 solar masses
D) 300,000 solar masses

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is estimated that the mass composition of a typical molecular cloud is 70% hydrogen, 28% helium, and 2% other elements. Therefore, the mass of hydrogen in this cloud would be approximately 70% of 400,000 solar masses, which is 280,000 solar masses. However, since none of the answer choices match this exact number, the closest choice is D, which is 300,000 solar masses.

A Particular Giant Molecular Cloud Has a Mass of 400,000