2006-10-17 01:53:45 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The energy radiated by the Sun is produced during the conversion of hydrogen (H) atoms to helium (He). The Sun is at least 90 percent hydrogen by number of atoms, so the fuel is readily available. Since one hydrogen atom weighs 1.0078 atomic mass units, and a single helium atom weighs 4.0026, the conversion of four hydrogen atoms to one helium atom yields 0.0294 mass unit, which are all converted to energy, 6.8 million-electron volts (MeV), in the form of gamma (g) rays or the kinetic energy of the products. If all the hydrogen is converted, 0.7 percent of the mass becomes energy, according to the Einstein formula E = mc^2, in which E represents the energy, m is the mass, and c is the speed of light. A calculation of the time required to convert all the hydrogen in the Sun provides an estimate of the length of time for which the Sun can continue to radiate energy. Converting 0.7 percent of the 2 x 10^33 grams of hydrogen into energy that is radiated at 4 x 10^33 ergs per second permits the Sun to shine for 3 x 10^18 seconds, or 100 billion years at the present rate.
2006-10-17 03:09:52 · answer #1 · answered by Britannica Knowledge 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Sun's heat and light come from Nuclear reactions within it's core. This does not have or need oxygen. The energy produced by this process slowly makes it's way to the 'photosphere' (or equivilent of the Sun's surface) and is released as heat and light. The Sun isn't actually on fire.
2006-10-17 09:09:14 · answer #2 · answered by Feckpot 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All the fuel the Sun needs is right there in the Sun - it's "fire" is a continuous nuclear 'explosion' that feeds off of the Hydrogen in the star.
No oxygen is needed to maintain a nuclear fission reaction.
2006-10-17 09:01:38 · answer #3 · answered by drumrb0y 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where were you educated? Give me the name of the school so I can have them all fired.
2006-10-17 12:10:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because the sun is not burning like a fire, which is a chemical reaction involving oxygen. It is like a giant nuclear reactor and nuclear reactions do not need oxygen.
2006-10-17 10:06:30 · answer #5 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you are confusing solar flares with flames. They do look a bit flamey, but they are flaring off of gas and plasma, a different thing altogether.
2006-10-17 09:02:19 · answer #6 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is due to NUCLEAR FUSION due to high tempoerature inside the sun the h nuclei fuse to form hrelium which in turn fuse to form carbon tjis is the source of sun and other stars energy.
2006-10-17 11:15:55 · answer #7 · answered by the challenger 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know for sure!!!!!
2006-10-17 10:50:11 · answer #8 · answered by jeff g 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋