Solar Fusion

Solar Fusion

1. Nuclear fusion is the ultimate source of the sun's energy.

2. The process produces a great deal of energy, in the form of heat and light.

3. All stars in the universe are undergoing fusion.

   • They initially ignite when gases compress together due to the force of gravity.
   • Eventually temperatures become hot enough to trigger the process of fusion.
   • As a star's mass and gravity diminish, stars get very large and are called red giants.

4. What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

   • Like all stars, our sun emits different forms of energy, including the electromagnetic spectrum.
   • A wavelength is the distance between one crest to the next.
   • Gamma rays and X-rays travel in short waves.
     • The Earth's atmosphere blocks their path and prevents them from striking the Earth's surface.