26
QuizMultiple Choice

Cumulative Exam — Cumulative exam

Question 26 • KY-Earth, Space Science B

What is the best prediction for what will happen when all of the hydrogen in the Sun has undergone fusion?

Answer
A
Helium nuclei will split to form hydrogen, and the Sun will no longer release energy.
B
Helium nuclei will split to form hydrogen, and the Sun will continue to release energy.
C
Helium nuclei will fuse to create heavier elements, but the Sun will no longer release energy.
D
Helium nuclei will fuse to create heavier elements, and the Sun will continue to release energy.

Explanation

When hydrogen fuel in the Sun’s core is used up, the core contracts and heats up. Under those hotter conditions, helium nuclei can fuse to form heavier elements, such as carbon, releasing energy. So the Sun can continue to release energy through helium fusion; the best prediction is that helium will fuse into heavier elements and the Sun will continue releasing energy.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next