AST101H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Convection Zone, Radiation Zone, Solar Core
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AST101H1 Full Course Notes
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14. 1 - a closer look at the sun. In the late 19th century, the idea of gravitational contraction was suggested (sun generated energy by slowly contracting in size) Technically, gravitational contraction could keep the sun burning for about 25 million years. This was debunked when geologists discovered the age of the earth. Einstein"s equation explained that mass contains potential energy. This meant that the sun was producing its own energy, later calculated to be through nuclear fusion. These conditions are found in the sun"s core, which originated by gravitational contraction. The sun continues to shine today as it has reached gravitational equilibrium - between the outward push of internal gas pressure, and inward pull of gravity. The sun has energy balance between the rate at which fusion releases energy in the sun"s core and the rate at which the sun"s surface radiates the energy into space.
