- #1
MRCHEM
- 20
- 0
how come stars burn at space if there is no oxygen in space?
Stars Burning in Space: Unanswered Questions
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the nature of how stars, including the sun, produce energy in the absence of oxygen in space, specifically focusing on the concept of nuclear fusion as the underlying process.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions how stars can "burn" in space without oxygen.
- Another participant clarifies that stars do not burn like fire but instead rely on fusion processes.
- A participant confirms that the sun is a star and is part of this discussion.
- One participant expresses confusion about the concept of fusion and requests clarification on the provided link.
- A later reply defines nuclear fusion as the process of combining light nuclei into heavier nuclei, which releases energy.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the concept of fusion, with some seeking clarification while others provide explanations. There is no consensus on the understanding of fusion among all participants.
Contextual Notes
Some participants may have missing background knowledge on nuclear fusion, leading to confusion about the topic. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of the fusion process or its implications for stellar behavior.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in astrophysics, stellar processes, or those seeking to understand the fundamentals of nuclear fusion may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
EL
Science Advisor
- 558
- 0
Stars do not "burn" in the same way as a fire.MRCHEM said:how come stars burn at space if there is no oxygen in space?
Stars "burn" thanks to fusion processes, see e.g.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion#Astrophysical_reaction_chains
- #3
MRCHEM
- 20
- 0
and also the sun?
- #4
berkeman
Admin
- 69,531
- 25,111
Yes. The sun is our local star.
- #5
MRCHEM
- 20
- 0
oooh fusion yess.. what's that i can't understand the link above
- #6
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining light nuclei, like hydrogen, into heavier nuclei, like helium. The process releases energy.
- Warren
- Warren
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