Question

Most of the energy produced by the sun is due to
1. nuclear fission
2. nuclear fusion
3. chemical reaction
4. gravitational collapse

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : nuclear fusion

CONCEPT:

• Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come closer enough to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles (neutrons or protons).
• A hydrogen bomb is an immensely powerful bomb whose destructive power comes from the rapid release of energy during the nuclear fusion of isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium), using an atom bomb as a trigger.
• Sun is the best example of nuclear fusion in which smaller nuclei of atoms fused at very high temperature and pressure into a larger nucleus.

\(\frac{2}{1}H+\frac{2}{1}H \xrightarrow{at\ high \Delta T}{} \frac{4}{2}He\)

EXPLANATION:

Sun's energy

• The sun is a huge mass of hydrogen gas.
• The temperature of the sun is extremely high.
• Nuclear fusion reaction takes place on Sun.
• In the sun the small deuterium atoms an isotope of hydrogen atoms collide and fuse together to form a bigger atom of helium.
• Each time when an atom of helium is formed, a large amount of energy is released.
• Hence, option 2 is correct.