--%>
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 Hoop conjecture Hoop conjecture

    Hoop conjecture (K.S. Thorne, 1972): The conjecture (as so far unproven, although there is substantial proof to support it) that a non-spherical object, non-spherically compressed, will only form a black hole whenever all parts of the

    		•
  • Q : Define Pauli Exclusion Principle Pauli

    Pauli Exclusion Principle (W. Pauli; 1925): No two similar fermions in a system, like electrons in an atom, can contain an identical set of the quantum numbers.

    		•
  • Q : Define Lenzs law Lenz's law (H.F. Lenz;

    Lenz's law (H.F. Lenz; 1835): The induced electric current always flows in such a direction that it resists the change generating it.

    		•
  • Q : Abhi what should be the choice of

    what should be the choice of standard unit.

    		•
  • Q : Define Planck constant Planck constant

    Planck constant: h: The basic constant equivalent to the ratio of the energy of a quantum of energy to its frequency. This is the quantum of action. This has the value 6.626 196 x 10-34 J s.

    		•
  • Q : What is the turnover number of the

    What is the turnover number of the enzyme? Is that forever an evaluation parameter of the action or activity of the enzyme?

    		•
  • Q : What is Permeability of free space or

    Permeability of free space: magnetic constant: mu_0: The ratio of the magnetic flux density in the substance to the external field strength for vacuum. It is equivalent to 4 pi x 10-7 H/m.

    		•
  • Q : Biot-Savart law Biot-Savart law (J.B.

    Biot-Savart law (J.B. Biot, F. Savart) - The law which explains the contributions to the magnetic field by an electric current. This is analogous to the Coulomb's law. Mathematically: dB = (mu0 I)/(4 pi r2) dl cross e

    		•
  • Q : Define Determinism principle

    Determinism principle: The principle that when one knows the state to an unlimited accuracy of a system at one point in time, one would be capable to predict the state of that system with unlimited accuracy at any other time, past or the future. For i

    		•
  • Q : How elevation and air pressure affects

    Briefly state how does the elevation and air pressure affects the boiling point of water?

    		•