10-7 Thermonuclear Reactions

Question 1

how does the sun produce its energy?

Answer 1

the sun is made of protons and neutrons which move, collide, and bind to form 2H, 3He, and 4He. Gamma rays, neutrinos and protons are released. the energy of the particles heats the interior of the sun

Question 2

the proton-proton chain step one

Answer 2

1. two protons collide
2. one proton turns into a neutron emitting a neutrino and a positron
3. the pn system is a 2H
4. the positron finds an electron and annihilates it producing two gamma rays
5. the neutrino escapes from the sun

Question 3

the proton-proton chain step two

Answer 3

2H collides with a proton producing 3He and releasing a gamma ray

Question 4

the proton-proton chain step three

Answer 4

two 3He collide and form a 4He and two protons. the kinetic energy of the protons contributes to the sun’s heat. In summary, 4 1H –> 4He + energy + neutrinos