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

7124 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What can the nucleus emit during radioactive decay?


Does a negative acceleration always mean that the object is slowing down?


A reflex occurs the iris of the human eye in response to changes in light levels - describe how these changes occur, referring to the changes in light level in your answer.


Explain why an ice cube submerged in a drink melts faster than an ice cube on a kitchen surface (the drink, surface and room temperature are all equal). (3 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences