Understanding the Sun's Energy

Front

What is the process called that releases energy in the sun?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process that releases energy in the sun.

Front

How hot does it get in the sun's core?

Back

The sun's core reaches temperatures of about 15 million degrees Fahrenheit.

Front

What does the solar wind push against?

Back

The solar wind pushes against the fabric of interstellar space.

Front

How many Jupiters would it take to fill the sun?

Back

It would take approximately 433,333 Jupiters to fill the sun.

Front

The energy from the sun is created by a process called:

Back

Nuclear fusion.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is the temperature of the sun's surface?

Back

The temperature of the sun's surface is about 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit).

Front

What is solar wind?

Back

Solar wind is a stream of charged particles released from the sun's atmosphere.

Front

What is the main component of the sun?

Back

The sun is primarily composed of hydrogen (about 74%) and helium (about 24%).

Front

What role does gravity play in the sun?

Back

Gravity in the sun keeps the solar system together and holds the sun's mass in a spherical shape.