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Stars obtain energy from a reaction called nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion causes lighter elements to become heavier elements. The most common reaction fuses hydrogen into helium. But helium can fuse further, to even heavier elements. This releases energy until you reach the element iron. Anything heavier than iron consumes energy, rather than releasing it, when it is formed by nuclear fusion.
thermonuclear fusion
Arjun Bednar
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What fuel burns in a main sequence star?
Hydrogen "burns" as it were, in "nuclear fusion" reactions to give helium and release energy.
What forces are opposing one another throughout the life of a star how do they influence the various stages in life cycle of a star?
The two opposing forces are gravity, pulling the star in and the outward force from the ongoing nuclear fusion reactions. As the star approaches the end of it's life, changes in the reactions occur, which cause the forces to balance out in different ways, changing the size of the star.
What combines to form helium atoms in a star?
Helium atoms in a star are formed through the process of nuclear fusion. In the core of a star, hydrogen atoms combine through a series of fusion reactions to form helium atoms. This happens when hydrogen atoms collide and fuse together, releasing energy in the process.
What elements are formed during a nova or supernova?
It is the elements heavier than iron that are formed in a supernova. All the heavier elements up through uranium appear when a star of sufficient mass collapses in a supernova event. These heavier elements, sometimes referred to as the trans-iron elements, appear in the collapse of a massive star. In this catastrophic event, the iron and silicon (and any other lighter elements) in the star are super compressed. The already hot conditions are made even hotter, and the available energy is sufficient to drive the fusion reactions that create the trans-iron elements.All the fusion reactions up through those that create iron are exothermic, and that means they release energy. The fusion reactions that create the trans-iron elements are endothermic, and that means energy has to be put into them. Only in the collapse of a star of sufficient mass is there enough energy to drive the fusion reactions that produce the trans-iron elements.See periodic table (iron is number 26).See related link.
What natural event provides enough energy for the nuclear fusion reactions that create the heaviest elements?
The violent creation of the solar system. There where much heavy elements on this planet before are civilization started its climb. These elements that we have now will deplete further and will not leave much left for the next civilization. It is a act of constant depletion.
What is the central portion of a star that produces energy through nuclear reactions?
core
Does nuclear energy provide the sun's energy?
The Sun, like all stars, generates energy by fusion reactions deep within the star, where the heat and pressure cause atomic nuclei to fuse into heavier elements. Most of the Sun's energy comes from fusing hydrogen into helium.
What is the central portion of a star called that produces energy through nuclear reactions?
core
What produces energy in the Sun alpha reactions proton splitting nuclear reactions or yellow dwarfs?
The energy output of the Sun derives from nuclear fusion reactions. A yellow dwarf is not a process, it's a type of star, of which the Sun is one.
What a large energy producing object in space that is made of gases undergoing nuclear reactions?
star
What is large energy producing object in space that is made of gases undergoing nuclear reactions?
star
What prevent the enormous amount of energy released from the fusion reactions at star's core from blowing the star apart?
Gravity. However, sometimes the star IS blown apart.
Is a star's energy a generated by nuclear reactions in the center?
Yes, that's correct. Specifically, by nuclear fusion.
What types of reactions occur in a star?
The nuclear reaction that happens in a star is called fusion. A star's energy comes from this atomic reaction. This is what makes stars extremely hot and bright.
Why is the sun a star and not planet?
For two reasonsPlanets orbit Stars.Stars emit energy as a result of nuclear fusion reactions occurring in their cores, planets do not.The solar system's planets orbit the Sun (making the Sun a Star by criterion 1) and the Sun emits energy as a result of nuclear fusion reactions occurring in its core (making the Sun a Star by criterion 2).
What fuel burns in a main sequence star?
Hydrogen "burns" as it were, in "nuclear fusion" reactions to give helium and release energy.
What kind of furnace is the most cost efficient?
The best cost efficient furnace would be an Energy Star furnace. They are efficient in operation and provide an estimated 21% savings as opposed to other furnaces.
