Earth Science
Beyond the Solar System
Star Power
Study Tip
A thermonuclear bomb reacts in the same way that a star produces energy; think about how much energy is released in both cases.
Nuclear Fusion
- Stars are made up of hydrogen and helium atoms, which are packed densely to start nuclear fusion reactions.
- The most common nuclear fusion reaction is two hydrogen atoms combining into a helium atom, thus releasing energy.
- In order to counter the force of gravity and prevent a star from collapsing within itself, the energy from a nuclear reaction pushes outwards towards the surface of the star.
Study Tip
A thermonuclear bomb reacts in the same way that a star produces energy; think about how much energy is released in both cases.
- Because of the outward pull of energy, stars shine brightly, releasing energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
Particle Accelerators
- By propelling subatomic particles towards each other, we can generate a tremendous amount of energy and create new particles, thus simulating the nuclear reactions that happen in the cores of stars.
- A particle accelerator is a device used to achieve nuclear fusion.
- Because particle accelerators simulate nuclear fusion reactions, it gives scientists a better understanding of how the universe works.
- Particle accelerators are often very large: The SLAC National Accelerator Lab in California is over 2 mi (3.2 km) long!
The sun that we see every day is constantly creating nuclear reactions.
A particle accelerator built by CERN can create enough energy
to simulate the amount of energy in the universe before stars were even created!
to simulate the amount of energy in the universe before stars were even created!
Concept Check
- How do stars obtain their energy?
- What can we use particle accelerators for?
