Because the core of the sun is so hot, what heavier element is created when hydrogen atoms fuse together in the sun's core?

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Chemistry

Simone Hanson

5 March, 12:28

Because the core of the sun is so hot, what heavier element is created when hydrogen atoms fuse together in the sun's core?

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Kenzie Guerra · Answer 1

In the sun's core, gravitational forces generate tremendous temperatures and pressure. The universe consist of hydrogen, when hydrogen atoms are compressed and fuse together, it creates helium. This process is referred as nuclear fusion.

Moreover, this heavy element has about 24% of the total elemental mass, which is more than 12 times the mass of all the heavier elements when joined. This is because of the very high nuclear binding energy of helium.