Explain the process of nuclear fusion in the Sun.

In the Sun the main fusion process is the fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium nuclei. Any two hydrogen nuclei repel each other as they are both positively charged, for the fusion to occur the two nuclei need to get close enough together so that this repulsion is overcome. This is achieved by the high temperature and pressure in the core of the Sun. The total mass of the products is less than the total mass of the reactants, the mass difference is released as energy, given by the equation E = mc2.

JA
Answered by Jake A. Physics tutor

7974 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to remember what is Ideal Gas Law?


what is ohm's law?


Describe the forces acting on an object on earth falling through the air, and how they change from when the object is first released into the air leading to terminal velocity.


Why does a balloon 'stick' to a wall when one has rubbed it on one's head?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning