--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Explain Drake equation

Drake equation (F. Drake; 1961): The method of estimating the number of intelligent, scientific species (that is, able to communicate with other species) in subsistence in our space.

N = R fp ne fl fi ft L.

Here,

N is the number of species explained above at any specified moment in our Galaxy. The parameters it is evaluated from are as follows:

R = the rate of star formation in our solar system (in stars per year);
fp = the fraction of stars that contain planets;
ne = the total number of habitable planets per system with planets;
fl = the fraction of habitable planets on which the life arises;
fi = the fraction of such planets on which the life develops intelligence;
ft = the fraction of such planets where the intelligence grows into a technological civilization which is capable of communication; and
L = the mean life-time of such a scientific civilization.

Out of these quantities, only the first -- R -- is recognized with anything like any reliability; this is on the order of 10 stars per year. The others, most particularly the fractions, are approximately totally pure speculation at this point. Computations made by respectable astronomers vary by something like ten orders of magnitude in the last estimation of the number of species out there.

   Related Questions in Physics

  • Q : Define Relativity principle Relativity

    Relativity principle: The principle, utilized by Einstein's relativity theories, that the laws of physics are similar, at least qualitatively, in all frames. That is, there is no frame which is better (or qualitatively any different) from any other. T

    		•
  • Q : Problem on magnetically coupled pair

    When one coil of a magnetically coupled pair has a current of 5.0A, the resulting fluxes Φ11 and Φ21 are 0.2mWb and 0.4mWb, respectively.  If the turns are N1 = 500 and N2 = 1500, find L1, L2, M and the coeffici

    		•
  • Q : Candela Candela : The basic SI unit of

    Candela: The basic SI unit of luminous intensity stated as the luminous intensity in a given direction of a source which emits monochromatic photons of frequency 540 x 1012 Hz and encompasses a radiant intensity in the direction of 1/683 W/

    		•
  • Q : Define Stefan-Boltzmann constant

    Stefan-Boltzmann constant: sigma (Stefan, L. Boltzmann): The constant of proportionality exist in the Stefan-Boltzmann law. It is equivalent to 5.6697 x 10-8 W/m2/K4.

    		•
  • Q : What is Standard quantum limit Standard

    Standard quantum limit: It is the limit obligatory on standard techniques of measurement by the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics.

    		•
  • Q : Define Luxon Luxon : The particle that

    Luxon: The particle that travels solely at c (that is the speed of light in vacuum). All luxons have a rest mass of exactly zero. Though they are mass less, luxons do take momentum. The photons are the prime illustration of luxons (that is the name it

    		•
  • Q : Explain Einstein field equation

    Einstein field equation: The cornerstone of Einstein's general theory of relativity, associating the gravitational tensor G to the stress-energy tensor T by the simple equation: G = 8 pi T<

    		•
  • Q : Explain Newtons law of universal

    Newton's law of universal gravitation (Sir I. Newton): Two bodies exert a pull on each other with equivalent and opposite forces; the magnitude of this force is proportional to the product result of the two masses and is too proportional to the invers

    		•
  • Q : Describe the term ntu in thermodynamics

    Describe the term ntu in thermodynamics? Illustrate in short.

    		•
  • Q : What is Bernoulli's equation

    Bernoulli's equation - In an ir-rotational fluid, the sum of static pressure, the weight of the fluid per unit mass times the height and half of the density times the velocity squared is steady all through the fluid 

    		•