Chapter 10 Question

Question

 Please describe the fusion reaction that is going on in the core of the Sun, and that allows the Sun to emit such enormous amount of energy? What are the starting elements? What are the product elements? Write the nuclear reaction that would correspond to this process.

Answer 1

Hello Di;

The fusion reaction at the core of the Sun primarily involves the conversion of hydrogen nuclei (protons) into helium nuclei through a process called nuclear fusion. This process begins with the fusion of two hydrogen nuclei (protons) to form a deuterium nucleus (one proton and one neutron). This deuterium nucleus then combines with another proton to form a helium-3 nucleus. Finally, two helium-3 nuclei combine to produce a helium-4 nucleus (two protons and two neutrons) while releasing two protons as byproducts. This series of nuclear reactions is represented as:

4H (hydrogen) -> He (helium) + 2p (protons) + energy

The enormous energy emitted during this process is a result of the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc². The immense gravitational pressure and temperature at the Sun's core are what drive these fusion reactions, providing the energy that powers the Sun and sustains life on Earth.

In a summary;

I hope this helps Di.

Best

Bilal