Explain the process of nuclear fusion in the Sun.

In the Sun the main fusion process is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium nuclei. Any two hydrogen nuclei repel each other as they are both positively charged, for the fusion to occur the two nuclei need to get close enough together so that this repulsion is overcome. This is achieved by the high temperature and pressure in the core of the Sun. The total mass of the products is less than the total mass of the reactants, the mass difference is released as energy, given by the equation E = mc2.

JA
Answered by Jake A. Physics tutor

7771 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Hanging on a branch of a tree, a monkey sees a hunter aiming a gun at him. The monkey lets go of the branch at the exact same time the bullet is fired. Explain why the bullet hits the monkey.


How do current and voltage vary in series and parallel circuits, respectively?


What can the nucleus emit during radioactive decay?


How do you calculate the specific heat capacity of a substance?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning