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Positron137
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Why can't the Sun (or any star) fuse elements higher than iron? Could anyone provide a technical answer? Thanks!
Positron137 said:Ah ok. So there are no other parts of the star capable of producing external energy besides internal fusion, because the star has used it up? But can't the net excess of energy produced from each fusion be used for iron? Why can't that happen? Once the star reaches Fe, has it used up all of its available net energy through fusion, so it can't get its energy from elsewhere?
Positron137 said:Why doesn't iron fusion release energy? (Sorry if that's a redundant question which has already been answered previously by someone's response.)
Positron137 said:Thanks! So it basically takes more energy to fuse Fe into heavier elements than the energy available from previous fusion events. Ok, that makes sense. Thanks!
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. In the Sun, this process involves the fusion of hydrogen atoms to form helium atoms.
Nuclear fusion releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat and light. This is because the mass of the resulting nucleus is slightly less than the combined mass of the original nuclei, and this "missing mass" is converted into energy according to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc².
The rate of nuclear fusion in the Sun is determined by the temperature, density, and composition of the core. The higher the temperature and density, and the more abundant the hydrogen fuel, the faster fusion reactions will occur.
The Sun has been engaged in nuclear fusion for approximately 4.6 billion years, and is expected to continue for another 5 billion years before it exhausts its hydrogen fuel and begins to gradually die out.
Scientists have been working on creating controlled nuclear fusion reactions on Earth, but it has proven to be a challenging feat. However, through advancements in technology and research, it is hoped that one day we will be able to harness the same clean and abundant energy source that powers the Sun.