Where Does the Sun's Energy Come From?

Every 1.5 millionths of a second, the sun releases more energy than all humans consume in an entire year. Without the sun there would be no light, no warmth, and no life. Its heat influences the environments of all the planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets in our solar system. How does a big ball of hydrogen create all that heat?

Comprehension Questions:
1. Every _____ millionths of a second, the Sun releases more energy than all humans consume in an entire year.
2. True or False: If our Sun were smaller, it would be similar to the gas giant Jupiter.
3. Which new element is created from the Sun’s hydrogen atoms colliding with great force?
4. About how hot (in degrees Fahrenheit) does the Sun get at its core?
5. Name one thing that the Sun’s energy emits.

Answer Key:
1. 1.5
2. True
3. Helium
4. 27 million degrees
5. Heat, charged particles, or light