Author Question: A typical star burns helium for about the same amount of time it burns hydrogen. Indicate whether ... (Read 126 times)

luvbio · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

A typical star burns helium for about the same amount of time it burns hydrogen.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Question 2

Describe some of the early theories for the Sun's energy source and why they are no longer accepted as viable.

What will be an ideal response?

livaneabi · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

FALSE

Answer to Question 2

One early idea was that the Sun shone through chemical burning (like a conventional fire on Earth), but this was discounted when the huge energy output of the Sun was first estimated. A popular hypothesis suggested in the late 1800s was that the Sun shone through the emission of thermal energy resulting from gravitational contraction. While the Sun was required to contract only slightly each year to maintain its temperature, this contraction could only last for about 25 million years, far less than the estimated age of the Earth at that time.