answersLogoWhite

0

The fusion of hydrogen into helium, and the conversion of a tiny amount of mass into energy, in accordance with Einstein's equation "E= mc2". The total mass of four hydrogen atoms is SLIGHTLY higher than the mass of one helium atom. This takes place at temperatures in the millions of degrees and under incredible pressure, conditions that are only found in the cores of stars.

Here on Earth, we are capable of creating these conditions, but only for tiny fractions of a second. We call it a "nuclear explosion". We _THINK_ we're getting close to creating these conditions in a more controlled manner, in reactors that may eventually be "nuclear fusion reactors", but we're probably 20 years away from being able to do that.

Alas, scientists have been saying for 40 years that they were "20 years away" from developing nuclear fusion as a controlled power source. Good thing we scientists are perennial optimists!

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Does the suns energy output stay constant over time?

No, the sun's energy output does not stay constant over time. The sun goes through cycles that can affect its energy output, such as the solar cycle which lasts roughly 11 years and can cause fluctuations in solar activity and energy output. Additionally, the sun will gradually increase in luminosity over billions of years as it ages.


Is the suns output always the same?

NO!


Quasars have the energy of 5 million suns?

Quasars have been known to emit over a thousand times the energy of the Milky Way. As the Milky Way contains upwards of 400 billion stars, the likelyhood of the energy output of 5 million Suns is probably true or greatly underestimated.


What are the blasts of gas from the suns atmosphere that form enormous loops?

Solar prominences.


As the number of sunspots increases would the suns energy output also increase or decrease?

As the number of sunspots increases, the sun's energy output decreases. Sunspots are cooler areas on the sun's surface that correspond to stronger magnetic fields, leading to reduced energy production. This is known as the solar cycle, where high sunspot activity is associated with a decrease in overall energy output.


What is the sun's energy made up of?

the suns energy comes from a hydrogen particle smashing in to another hydrogen particle and creates helium, however during this proses it causes heat and light energy and that is what the suns energy is made of


Which is cause by the suns energy A weather B earthquakes C mountain building D volcanic eruptions?

D


What fuels the suns enormous energy output?

Nuclear fusion ... the same reaction responsible for the enormous but brief energy output of a "hydrogen bomb".Except that in the core of the sun, it has been going continuously for billions of years.


If a suns ray fell onto an apple what energy is that?

If a suns ray hits an apple what energy would that be


How much energy does the suns nuclear reactions produce?

Sun releases energy at the mass-energy conversion rate of 4.26 million metric tons per second. That is 384.6 yotta watts.You will need to multiply that up to get the yearly output.


How do the chloroplast get energy?

They get energy from the suns light energy baby


The suns energy is from what type of energy?

nuclear fusion energy