Final answer:
The two main processes that keep the Sun in existence are gravitation and fusion. Gravitation is counterbalanced by the pressure of gases within the Sun, while fusion of hydrogen to form helium releases energy to sustain the Sun's existence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main processes that keep the Sun in existence are gravitation and fusion.
- Gravitation: The mutual gravitational attraction between mass regions within the Sun produces tremendous forces that tend to collapse the Sun. However, the force of gravitation is counterbalanced by the pressure of gases within the Sun, which prevents it from collapsing.
- Fusion: The prime energy producer in the Sun is the fusion of hydrogen to form helium. This fusion process occurs at a high temperature of 15 million Kelvin in the Sun's core. The fusion of hydrogen atoms releases energy and provides heat and light to sustain the Sun's existence.