- Fusion-0.mp3
- Fusion-0.mp4
- Fusion-Alt-Reggae.mp3
- Fusion-Alt-Reggae.mp4
- Fusion-I.mp3
- Fusion-I.mp4
- Fusion-II.mp3
- Fusion-II.mp4
- Fusion-electric-intro.mp3
[Intro]
In conclusion: fusion
When all is complete…
The result: light and heat
[Verse 1]
It’s hot (incredibly hot)
Say again? (15 million Kelvin)
Protons collide
And fuse for the ride
[Chorus]
In conclusion: (fusion)
When all is complete…
The result: (light and heat)
Nuclear… from there to here
[Bridge]
Proton-proton
(Chain reaction)
And, on and on
(Main attraction)
On and on and on
[Verse 2]
The loss of mass
That comes to pass
Released as gamma rays
Take thousands of years to turn to days
[Chorus]
In conclusion: (fusion)
When all is complete…
The result: (light and heat)
Nuclear… from there to here
[Bridge]
Proton-proton
(Chain reaction)
And, on and on
(Main attraction)
On and on and on
[Chorus]
In conclusion: (fusion)
When all is complete…
The result: (light and heat)
Nuclear… from there to here
[Outro]
In conclusion: (fusion)
Not an illusion
A SCIENCE NOTE
The Sun creates energy through a process called nuclear fusion, which occurs in its core. Here’s how it works:
1. Fusion of Hydrogen into Helium
- The Sun’s core is incredibly hot (around 15 million Kelvin) and under immense pressure, causing hydrogen atoms to collide at high speeds.
- When these hydrogen nuclei (protons) collide with enough force, they overcome the natural repulsive force between them (since both are positively charged) and fuse together.
- This fusion forms a helium nucleus and releases a tremendous amount of energy.
2. The Proton-Proton Chain Reaction
The main fusion process in the Sun is called the proton-proton chain reaction:
- Two hydrogen nuclei (protons) collide and fuse, forming a deuterium nucleus (one proton and one neutron), a positron, and a neutrino.
- The deuterium nucleus fuses with another proton, forming helium-3 (two protons and one neutron) and releasing gamma radiation.
- Two helium-3 nuclei collide and fuse, forming helium-4 (two protons and two neutrons) and releasing two protons.
3. Energy Release
- The energy comes from the slight loss of mass during these reactions. According to Einstein’s equation, E = mc², this lost mass is converted into energy.
- The energy is primarily released as gamma rays, which take thousands of years to move from the core to the Sun’s surface, where it is emitted as sunlight.
4. Transport of Energy
- Energy from fusion travels outward through the Sun in two main steps:
- Radiative Zone: Energy moves as radiation, slowly diffusing outward.
- Convective Zone: Energy is transported by convection currents, where hot plasma rises, cools, and sinks.
5. The Result: Light and Heat
- The energy released from the Sun’s surface reaches Earth in the form of visible light, infrared radiation (heat), and other electromagnetic waves.
- This energy sustains life on Earth and drives weather, climate, and ecosystems.
Summary
The Sun generates energy by fusing hydrogen into helium in its core. This process releases enormous amounts of light and heat, powering the solar system and providing the energy necessary for life on Earth.