Answer the following analysis and reflection questions in complete sentences in your Stars and Elements Worksheet. Why are chemical processes unable to produce the same amount of energy flowing out of the sun and nuclear fusion?
Why is nuclear fusion able to sustain the life of a star over a long period of time without the input of outside energy?
Describe how the relative proportion of hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements will change as the sun ages.
How does energy released from the sun reach Earth? How does the sun’s energy interact with Earth’s atmosphere and hydrosphere?
Every star starts with an initial mass of hydrogen. Each atom of hydrogen has one proton and one neutron. How are the total number of protons and neutrons conserved as a star ages and undergoes continuous nucleosynthesis?
What mechanisms or events are needed for a star to make heavier elements than iron?
How do scientists use electromagnetic emissions of stars to determine their composition, age, and stage of development?