how does the sun burn if there's no oxygen in outer space?

Answer 1

The sun's burning is not caused by fire, like we have on Earth. Its energy comes from nuclear fusion, which can occur in a vacuum and needs no oxygen. The process involves the fusion of two hydrogen atoms to create a helium atom, releasing energy in the process.

Answer 2

When most things burn on earth, they require oxygen because in order to use the energy stored in the bonds between atoms, there must be something to accept electrons, that something is usually oxygen. This "oxidates" whatever you're burning and oxygen combines with the fuel source allowing the energy stored in the bonds to be used. We are so used to this that we cannot see any other way to create energy other than by oxidating fuel sources.

However, there are 2 other well known ways of creating energy. First is nuclear fission. Breaking the intra-atomic bonds release alot of energy because these bonds are so powerful. This is what happens in an atomic bomb or fission reactor. Usually, neutrons are released which set up a domino effect continuing the reaction. In the case of a nuclear fission bomb, the chain reaction is neutrons being released causing fission of other nuclei releasing more neutrons. In the case of a reactor, there are certain materials used to absorb some of the neutrons preventing a chain reaction.

The other way is nuclear fusion. This is where 2 nuclei (like hydrogen) combine to form greater nuclei (helium). This harnesses even more energy than fission and is what takes place inside stars (like our sun) and in the detonation of a hydrogen bomb. It is more difficult to start the reaction because you need higher temperatures and pressure than for fission, but the yield is much greater.

So because you are not using the energy of the bonds between atoms, but rather the energy of nuclear forces, you do not need oxygen because nothing is oxidizing.

Answer 3

The sun is mad up of gases, manly hydrogen. Due to a process called hydrogen fusion, the sun is able to make huge amounts of energy. Some day the sun will run out of energy and burn out but for now it is still burning. Plus I think fire dosent need just oxygen to burn. As long as a gas or source of energy is available to feed it, fire can live. You would know this if you had payed attention in science class in high school. Christians: -1=0 Atheists: 1

Answer 4

The sun doesn't "burn" (with oxygen), it has nuclear reactions that produce heat.

A star begins as a collapsing cloud of material that is composed primarily of hydrogen along with some helium and heavier trace elements. Once the stellar core is sufficiently dense, some of the hydrogen is steadily converted into helium through the process of nuclear fusion.

In physics and nuclear chemistry, nuclear fusion is the process by which multiple atomic nuclei join together to form a heavier nucleus. It is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy. Iron and nickel nuclei have the largest binding energies per nucleon of all nuclei and therefore are the most stable. The fusion of two nuclei lighter than iron or nickel generally releases energy while the fusion of nuclei heavier than iron or nickel absorbs energy

Answer 5

The sun burns through fusion. Hydrogen combines to form helium and heavier elements. Burning on this planet typically involves the combustion of carbohydrates and oxygen into carbon and water. The burning in the sun is a different type of burning.

Answer 6

The sun does not burn actually it gets the energy called the solar energy by the nuclear fusion.In the process of nuclear fusion 4 atoms of helium fuse 2gether 2 form 1 atom of hydrogen,but the mass of the hydrogen atom is less then the mass of the4 helium atom & this difference betn the mass of the atons is converted in2 the solar energy.

Answer 7

The fusion reactions are big enough to detonate over and over again with no need for oxygen. It isn't really "burning" as we all know it. It is actually exploding through very powerful reactions.

Answer 8

The sun does not burn it is Fusion. The direct change of mass into energy.

Answer 9

The sun isn't "burning" in the sense of a fire consuming oxygen and hydrocarbons and releasing CO2 and water.

The sun is fusing hydrogen into helium, and thus it is a really really big, long-lived, and controlled, nuclear explosion.

Answer 10

It's a nuclear reaction and doesn't require oxygen to keep going. That's why nuclear weapons can be detonated in space.