Question

evaluate: what will happen to our sun in the future?
now that your class has determined how the sun releases tremendous amounts of energy, you can make
some predictions about the suns future. refer to the equation for nuclear fusion.
nuclear fusion equation
hydrogen + hydrogen → helium + energy

1. what do you predict will happen to the amount of hydrogen over time? use evidence from the equation

above to justify your claim.

1. what do you predict will happen to the amount of helium over time? use evidence from the equation

above to justify your claim.

1. based on your answers to #1 and #2, do you predict our sun will provide earth with the right amount of

energy forever?

Explanation:

1. The nuclear fusion equation shows hydrogen is a reactant converted to helium and energy. As fusion continues, hydrogen is consumed, so its amount decreases over time.
2. Helium is a product of the fusion reaction. As hydrogen fuses, helium is produced, so its amount increases over time.
3. Since hydrogen (the fuel for fusion) is finite and will eventually be depleted, the Sun cannot sustain fusion forever. Thus, it will not provide Earth with the right amount of energy indefinitely.

Answer:

1. The amount of hydrogen will decrease over time because hydrogen is consumed as a reactant in the nuclear fusion reaction.
2. The amount of helium will increase over time because helium is produced as a product in the nuclear fusion reaction.
3. No, the Sun will not provide Earth with the right amount of energy forever.