QuestionAugust 1, 2025

What happens during the entire fusion process in the Sun?

What happens during the entire fusion process in the Sun?
What happens during the entire fusion process in the Sun?

Solution
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Answer

The Sun's fusion process involves converting hydrogen into helium, releasing energy that powers the Sun. Explanation 1. Identify the Fusion Process The Sun primarily undergoes nuclear fusion through the **proton-proton chain reaction**. 2. Initial Reaction Two protons (^1H) fuse to form deuterium (^2H), releasing a positron and a neutrino. 3. Formation of Helium-3 Deuterium fuses with another proton to form helium-3 (^3He), emitting a gamma-ray photon. 4. Formation of Helium-4 Two helium-3 nuclei collide to form helium-4 (^4He), releasing two protons. 5. Energy Release The mass difference in these reactions is converted into energy according to **Einstein's formula** E=mc^2, providing the Sun's energy output.

Explanation

1. Identify the Fusion Process<br /> The Sun primarily undergoes nuclear fusion through the **proton-proton chain reaction**.<br /><br />2. Initial Reaction<br /> Two protons ($^1H$) fuse to form deuterium ($^2H$), releasing a positron and a neutrino.<br /><br />3. Formation of Helium-3<br /> Deuterium fuses with another proton to form helium-3 ($^3He$), emitting a gamma-ray photon.<br /><br />4. Formation of Helium-4<br /> Two helium-3 nuclei collide to form helium-4 ($^4He$), releasing two protons.<br /><br />5. Energy Release<br /> The mass difference in these reactions is converted into energy according to **Einstein's formula** $E=mc^2$, providing the Sun's energy output.
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