Thermonuclear fusion in the Sun

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mechanism of thermonuclear fusion occurring in the Sun, specifically detailing the fusion reactions involving hydrogen isotopes and their products, including deuterium, helium, and neutrinos. The primary concern raised is a discrepancy between theoretical predictions and observational data regarding the count of neutrinos produced during these reactions. The overall fusion reaction is summarized as 4 1H + 2 e --> 4He + 2 neutrinos + 6 photons, highlighting the importance of accurate observational data in validating fusion theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fusion processes
  • Familiarity with particle physics terminology (e.g., neutrinos, photons)
  • Knowledge of isotopes, specifically hydrogen isotopes (1H, 2H, 3He)
  • Basic grasp of astrophysical concepts related to stellar processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methods used to detect neutrinos from solar fusion
  • Study the role of electron-positron annihilation in energy production
  • Explore the implications of discrepancies in theoretical vs. observational data in astrophysics
  • Investigate advanced fusion models and their predictions for stellar behavior
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, students studying stellar physics, and anyone interested in the mechanisms of nuclear fusion in stars.

Astro.padma
Messages
79
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Our present theory of the sun and the mechanism of thermonuclear fusion inside it predicts that the following reactions occur in the sun.
1H + 1H --> 2H + antielectron + neutrino
1H + 1H --> 2H + antielectron + neutrino
electron + antielectron --> photon + photon
electron + antielectron --> photon + photon
2H + 1H --> 3He + photon
2H + 1H --> 3He + photon
3He + 3He --> 4He + 1H+ 1H

A problem arises in this theory due to one of its calculated count of something not matching with the observational counting. So what is that ‘something’ and what is the relation between the prediction and observation (i.e. greater or smaller)?


Homework Equations

The overall fusion reaction
4 1H + 2 e --> 4He + 2 neutrinos + 6 photons





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
clarify your question please. what does not match?
 

Similar threads

High School Can this fusion cycle work in practice?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Graduate Thermonuclear fusion in the Sun
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
What Is the Minimum Kinetic Energy Needed for Fusion in Stars?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Energy Problem-what did I do wrong?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
What is the significance of the proton-deuteron fusion reaction in stars?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Fusion Reaction really long problem
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Fusion Reaction of Hydrogen and Deuterium into Helium
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Bringing the particles together
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Fusion Reaction: Kinetic Energy Gain & Energy Source
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
How Is Kinetic Energy Transformed in Nuclear Fusion Reactions?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
11K