Final answer:
Main sequence stars derive their energy from the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium in their cores.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main sequence stars derive their energy from the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium in their cores. This process involves the conversion of hydrogen atoms to helium atoms through nuclear fusion, which releases a tremendous amount of energy. The Sun, being a main-sequence star, generates its energy through the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium, fusing approximately 620 million metric tons of hydrogen each second in its core.