The physics of the sun is very similar to the physics of stars. Sun is often called G2 star by astronomers due to its huge size and high temperature. In its physics Sun is the same as stars as energy f the sun is produced as a result of nuclear fusion processes where hydrogen transforms into isotopes of helium.

The structure of the sun is very similar to the hydrogen bomb as it consists mostly from hydrogen and helium, which are the simplest chemical elements. The core of the Sun is helium and hydrogen in the state of plasma, which is a continuing thermonuclear fusion with a temperature of 15 million Kelvin. The temperature in the stars may exceed even hundreds millions degrees. It’s estimated that in the thermonuclear synthesis reaction, which takes place in the core of the sun at a constant rate, 700 million tons of hydrogen are converted into isotopes of helium. The energy, emitted as a result of fusion is enormous:


“The energy is so great that the Sun gives off 40,000 watts of light from every square inch of its surface. Compare this to the 60 and 100 watt light bulbs we use in our homes” (from How the Sun Works — Its Source of Energy)

In more visual terms it’s enough to make the folowing parallel: the amount of deuterium (isotope of hydrogen which is present in the reaction of thermonuclear synthesis) in the galss of water in terms of energy equals to several tons of gas fuel.

Similar processes take place in all stars. It’s generally agreed that that nuclear fusion is caused by the force of gravity inside the star, which creates high pressures pressing particles closely so that they can fuse: protons fuse with helium so that positrons are derived which as a result turn into radiation.

The producst of thermonuclear fusion: photons, gamma rays, ultraviolet light, X-rays and microvaves is released from the core of the sun as a resul tof the reaction. Due to the high pressure and density of the solar matter it takes about 200 000 years for a photon to travel from the core of the sun to it’s surface. The temperature on the surface of the sun is about 5000K. The surface of the sun is suroeunded by a layer of hot gases called corona which are in the state of plasma. That’s why the temperature in the corona is about a million K or even higher.

The nergy of the sun which is realeased in the form of light nuclear particles: protons, neutrons and photoes form sun radiation and contiune out into the space traveling at the speeds equal to the speed of light (for photos). A high portion of particles form solar winds which are attracted by magnetic field of the earth which causes aurora. Particles which travel in the atmospeher are sources of sun light (photons) and heat (infrared radiation).

The estimated age of the Sun is 4.5 billion years, accoring to Einstein formula of enegry: E=mc^2, there is enough “fuel” in the sun for “shining” some 10 billion years more.

References:

1. How the Sun Works — Its Source of Energy, Article http://observe.arc.nasa.gov/nasa/exhibits/sun/sun_5.html

2. How a Star Works, Article http://www.historyoftheuniverse.com/starlife.html


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