how much mass per second in converted to helium in the sun
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Approximately 600 million tons (or 6 × 10⁸ kg) of hydrogen are converted into helium every second in the Sun. Out of this, about 4 million tons (4 × 10⁶ kg) of mass are converted into energy according to Einstein’s equation, E = mc².
Explanation (300 words):
The Sun produces energy through a process called nuclear fusion, which takes place in its core. In this process, hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse together to form helium nuclei, releasing an enormous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
Every second, the Sun fuses approximately 600 million tons (6 × 10⁸ kg) of hydrogen into helium. But the mass of the resulting helium is slightly less than the mass of the original hydrogen. This missing mass, about 4 million tons (4 × 10⁶ kg) per second, is not lost—it is converted into energy.
This conversion is explained by Einstein’s famous equation:
E = mc²,
where:
- E is energy,
- m is the mass lost,
- c is the speed of light (approximately 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s).
Even a small amount of mass results in a huge amount of energy because the speed of light squared (c²) is a very large number. For example, converting just 1 kg of mass into energy produces about 9 × 10¹⁶ joules—enough to power a major city for days.
This fusion process is what powers the Sun and makes life on Earth possible by providing sunlight and warmth. The Sun has been doing this for about 4.6 billion years and has enough hydrogen fuel to continue for roughly another 5 billion years.
So, in summary:
- Hydrogen fused per second: ~600 million tons
- Mass converted to energy: ~4 million tons per second
- Energy produced per second: ~3.8 × 10²⁶ watts (solar luminosity)