The nuclear reaction that powers the sun is the fusion of four protons into a helium nucleus.

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The nuclear reaction that powers the sun is the fusion of four protons into a helium nucleus. The process involves several steps, but the net reaction is simply \(4 \mathrm{p} \rightarrow{ }^{4} \mathrm{He}+\) energy. The mass of a helium nucleus is known to be \(6.64 \times 10^{-27} \mathrm{~kg}\).

a. How much energy is released in each fusion?

b. What fraction of the initial rest mass energy is this energy?

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College Physics A Strategic Approach

ISBN: 9780321907240

3rd Edition

Authors: Randall D. Knight, Brian Jones, Stuart Field

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