Question

SC.8.E.5.3, SC.8.E.5.4, SC.8.E.5.6

6. Apply Concepts Energy generated from
nuclear fusion in the sun's core is what causes
the sun to "shine" and radiate energy through
the solar system. In fusion, four hydrogen
atoms fuse together to become one helium
atom. The atomic mass of hydrogen is 1.00794
and the atomic mass of helium is 4.0026.
How does the difference in the mass of four
hydrogen atoms and one helium atom help
explain the energy released by the sun?
They
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Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

From Einstein's postulate, mass can be converted to energy using the expression below:

E = mc²

E is energy, m is the mass and c is the speed of light.

In a nuclear fusion process; 4 hydrogen atoms with a mass of 1.00794 combines to produce an helium atom of mass 4.0026. There is a mass difference between the 4 fusing hydrogen atoms and the resulting Helium atom:

Mass difference = 4(mass of hydrogen) - mass of helium

Mass difference = 4(1.00794 ) - 4.0026 = 4.03176 - 4.0026 = 0.02916

It is this difference in mass that is converted to energy that powers the sun.