Introduction
Fusion occurs when two or more atomic nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus, liberating a great deal of energy. The exact mechanism propels the Sun and other stars in the cosmos. Hydrogen atoms are essentially combined to create helium in the Sun. Helium is created when two hydrogen atoms collide in the Sun’s core with enough energy to transcend their natural attraction to one another (Carayannis et al., 2021).
Significant amounts of energy are released during this process in the form of heat and light. The Sun’s core has a strong gravitational field that propels the fusion reaction. This extreme pressure causes the hydrogen atoms to clash at high speeds, which increases the likelihood of fusion. This essay examines fusion as an energy producer for the Syn.
The Rate of Nuclear Fuel Consumption in the Sun
By being washed away by radiation and convection, the energy released as a result of this cycle ultimately keeps life on Earth continuing. To maintain its current rate of fusion or the amount of nuclear fuel burned in a given time, the Sun needs about 600 million tons of hydrogen every second (Carayannis et al., 2021). However, this rate of fuel use is comparatively low because of the Sun’s immense size.
The Sun’s Lifespan and the Duration of Its Fuel Supply
Before running out of hydrogen, the Sun is thought to have enough fuel to support fusion reactions for an additional 5 billion years (Carayannis et al., 2021). The Sun will start consuming helium after it runs out of hydrogen fuel, which will drive it to grow and finally transform into a red giant. The Sun will dramatically brighten and enlarge during this phase, perhaps engulfing the orbits of Mercury, Venus, and even the Earth. When the Sun runs out of helium, it will eventually become a white dwarf and gradually cool over billions of years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the energy required to support life on Earth is produced naturally by the fusion process in stars like our Sun. A significant quantity of energy is emitted through heat and light when hydrogen atoms combine to generate helium. The Sun is predicted to persist for another 5 billion years before changing into a red giant, despite consuming enormous amounts of hydrogen to maintain its fusion reaction.
Reference
Carayannis, E. G., Draper, J., & Crumpton, C. D. (2021). Reviewing Fusion Energy to Address Climate Change by 2050. The Journal of Energy and Development, 47(1/2), 1-46. Web.