 |
Ask A Scientist©
Astronomy Archive
|
 |
What does the Sun burn?
Author: patricia a marengo
Why does the Sun burn if there is no oxygen in space?
Response #: 1 of 1
Author: hawley
The Sun 'burns' nuclear fuel that does not need oxygen. Nuclear energy
comes in two forms: fission in which heavy elements are broken down into
lighter ones; and fusion in which light elements are 'fused' together to
make heavier elements. Stars 'burn' by nuclear fusion.
NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators.
Argonne National Laboratory, Division of Educational Programs, Harold Myron, Ph.D., Division Director.