On the main sequence, stars obtain their energyGroup of answer choicesfrom nuclear fissionfrom gravitational contractionfrom chemical reactionsby converting helium to carbon, nitrogen and oxygenby converting hydrogen to helium
Question
On the main sequence, stars obtain their energyGroup of answer choicesfrom nuclear fissionfrom gravitational contractionfrom chemical reactionsby converting helium to carbon, nitrogen and oxygenby converting hydrogen to helium
Solution
On the main sequence, stars obtain their energy by converting hydrogen to helium. This process is known as nuclear fusion. Here are the steps:
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Two hydrogen atoms come together to form a deuterium atom (which is a heavy form of hydrogen), a positron (which is a positively charged electron), and a neutrino.
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The deuterium atom then combines with another hydrogen atom to form a helium-3 atom and a gamma ray.
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Two helium-3 atoms then combine to form a helium-4 atom and two hydrogen atoms.
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The helium-4 atom is the end product and the two hydrogen atoms can start the process over again.
This process releases a large amount of energy in the form of light and heat, which is what makes stars shine.
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