Thermonuclear fusion in the Sun

In summary, the present theory of the sun and the mechanism of thermonuclear fusion inside it predicts several reactions, including the fusion of hydrogen, the annihilation of electrons and antielectrons, and the production of helium. However, a discrepancy arises when one of the calculated counts does not match with observational counts. The discrepancy is related to the overall fusion reaction, with the predicted count being greater or smaller than the observed count.
  • #1
Astro.padma
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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

 
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  • #2
clarify your question please. what does not match?
 

1. What is thermonuclear fusion in the Sun?

Thermonuclear fusion in the Sun is the process by which hydrogen atoms combine to form helium atoms, releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of heat and light. This process is what powers the Sun and other stars in the universe.

2. How does thermonuclear fusion occur in the Sun?

In the core of the Sun, temperatures and pressures are incredibly high, allowing hydrogen atoms to collide with enough force to overcome their natural repulsion and fuse together to form helium. This process is sustained by the immense gravitational force of the Sun.

3. How much energy does thermonuclear fusion in the Sun produce?

Each second, the Sun converts about 600 million tons of hydrogen into helium through thermonuclear fusion, releasing an enormous amount of energy. This energy is what keeps the Sun burning and provides light and heat to Earth.

4. Can thermonuclear fusion in the Sun ever run out?

No, the Sun has enough hydrogen fuel to continue undergoing thermonuclear fusion for about 5 billion years. After that, it will start to run out of fuel and eventually expand into a red giant, but this process will take billions of years to occur.

5. Can we replicate thermonuclear fusion on Earth?

Scientists around the world are currently working on creating controlled fusion reactions on Earth, but it is a complex and challenging process. If successful, it could provide a nearly limitless source of clean energy, similar to how the Sun powers itself through thermonuclear fusion.

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