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

8347 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?


An electric whisk in a bakery has two motors, each with an average power of 1500W. The whisk is used for 4 hours each day, 7 days a week. Electricity costs 18p per kilowatt-hour. Calculate the cost of the electricity used by the whisk in one week.


If a 60kg girl jumps out of a helicoptor, draw diagrams to show the forces (with values) acting on her when a) she is in freefall, b) she is accelerating at half of g (g = 10 m/s^2), c) she is travelling at a constant speed?


How does refraction work?


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