Chemical composition of the sun

In summary, the website provides a breakdown of the ten most abundant elements found in the sun through spectrum analysis. This result is likely only applicable to the surface or near-surface of the sun, as heavier elements would sink to the core and be undetectable. However, due to the sun's constant upwelling and mixing, the center is still an active area where fusion occurs. Therefore, the sun does not have enough energy to fuse elements heavier than hydrogen.
  • #1
Nickelodeon
181
1
This website gives a break down of the ten most abundant elements from spectrum analysis of the sun

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/961112a.html"

Presumably this result is only valid for the surface/near surface of the sun.

If there were any heavier elements present wouldn't they have a tendency to sink to the core and therefore be undetectable?
 
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  • #2
link is broken

sun is not static
there is a lot of upwelling and mixing
and the center is the most active area
as that is where the fusion is happening
so no stuff willnot just sink and stay in the center
 
  • #3
ray b said:
link is broken

sun is not static
there is a lot of upwelling and mixing
and the center is the most active area
as that is where the fusion is happening
so no stuff willnot just sink and stay in the center

sorry about the link - I've just edited it and it's ok now.

There wouldn't be any fusion going on in the centre if the centre consisted of elements any heavier than hydrogen. Apparently, our sun doesn't have enough energy to fuse anything heavier than hydrogen.
 

1. What elements make up the chemical composition of the sun?

The sun is primarily composed of hydrogen (73%) and helium (25%). Other elements, such as oxygen, carbon, and iron, make up the remaining 2%.

2. How do we know the chemical composition of the sun?

Scientists use spectroscopy to analyze the light emitted by the sun and determine the elements present in its atmosphere. This method allows us to identify the specific wavelengths of light that correspond to different elements.

3. How does the chemical composition of the sun differ from that of Earth?

The sun's composition is very different from that of Earth. Earth's atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements, while the sun is mostly made up of hydrogen and helium.

4. Does the chemical composition of the sun change over time?

Yes, the chemical composition of the sun is constantly changing as it fuses hydrogen into helium through nuclear reactions. This process, known as nuclear fusion, releases energy and causes the sun's composition to slowly shift over time.

5. How does the chemical composition of the sun affect its behavior and characteristics?

The chemical composition of the sun plays a crucial role in its behavior and characteristics. For example, the high concentration of hydrogen and helium allows the sun to generate immense amounts of energy through nuclear fusion, making it a main sequence star. The sun's composition also affects its color, temperature, and magnetic field.

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