Chapter 32, Problem 6RQ

What happens to the amount of the Sun’s mass as it “burns”?

To determine

The effect on the Sun’s mass due to its burning.

Answer to Problem 6RQ

The Sun’s mass is lost due to conversion of hydrogen to helium and mass of the Sun converts into solar energy.

Explanation of Solution

The energy produced at the Sun is due to the thermonuclear fission of the hydrogen. Every second on Sun, approximately $657\text{ million tons}$ of hydrogen converts into $653\text{ million tons}$ Helium. The mass that converts into energy is radiated by the Sun in the form of solar radiation.

The solar energy is generated by Sun due to the conversion of Sun’s mass into energy. This solar energy is generated in the core of the Sun. The temperature and pressure of the core are very high, so fission of hydrogen takes place rapidly.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the Sun’s mass is lost due to conversion of hydrogen to helium and mass of the Sun converts into solar energy.