Approximately what percentage of the elemental mass does hydrogen account for in a young, star-forming nebula?
Answer
$ ext{ extasciicircum } 75\%$
Based on the general astronomical composition data provided for a generic nebula, hydrogen ($ ext{H}$) is quantified as the primary mass component, accounting for approximately 75% of the total mass by weight. This high percentage underscores hydrogen's role as the fuel source for the initial stages of star formation, contrasting sharply with helium, which makes up about 24%, and the heavier elements ("metals") which together account for only about 1% to 2%.
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