The Sun's Interior Structure
THE SUN'S CORE:
The core is the ONLY place where thermonuclear fusion occurs. This is because it possesses the highest temperature and density. In the core, Hydrogen atoms are fused together to form Helium atoms. A single Helium atoms weighs less than 4 hydrogen atoms and the mass difference going into pure Energy by the famous equation, E = mc2. In total, the Sun's core produces:Lo = 4 x 1026 Watts!! (that's about ~billion x billion x billion Watts!)
Photons and
neutrinos are produced in the core. Neutrinos escape directly. Photons
(carrying heat energy) take considerably longer to escape.
RADIATIVE ZONE:So called because the energy is transported out via RADIATION. Though it does so in a random walk.CONVECTIVE ZONE:Here, the heat energy moves outward via motion of hot material up, cool material down (churning, or boiling motion). |
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HYDROSTATIC EQUILIBRIUM:Stars are not expanding or contracting. Stars are in equilibrium. What does this mean?The Inward force of Gravity is balanced by the Outward force of Pressure. Gravity is always forcing IN. Outward pressure is created by nuclear fusion reactions at the star's center (it's a continual nuclear bomb). However, nuclear reactions require fuel to continue and fuel is limited. Gravity requires NO FUEL and WILL WIN in the end. |