When astronomers discuss the composition ratios of hydrogen and helium in the Sun, what state are they typically referencing before the electrons are stripped?
Answer
The neutral gas composition
The text points out a source of semantic confusion when discussing the Sun's makeup. Although the Sun exists as plasma, when astronomers calculate or discuss the fundamental composition ratios of hydrogen and helium, they are referring to the elemental building blocks present *before* the extreme energy strips away the electrons. In essence, they are referencing the composition ratios of the neutral gas that *comprises* the plasma, even though the actual physical state encountered throughout the star is overwhelmingly ionized plasma.
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