Question

Why does the Sun shine?

a. Chemical energy- it's on fire

b. Nuclear energy- fission of heavy elements throughout its body

c. Gravitational energy continuously being converted into kinetic energy as it shrinks

d. Nuclear energy- fusion of hydrogen into helium within its central core

Answer 1

The Sun shines due to nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium in its core, releasing a significant amount of energy. This process, known as the proton-proton chain, follows Einstein's principle of mass-energy equivalence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sun shines because of nuclear energy. Specifically, the Sun's energy is produced through nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium in its central core. This process releases an enormous amount of energy in the form of heat and light. The fusion reactions in the Sun are known as the proton-proton chain, and the energy released is equivalent to the mass lost during the fusion process, according to Einstein's famous equation E = mc².