The Nuclear Reaction
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The Sun is continuously undergoing a nuclear fusion reaction. In its core, the sun fuses approximately 620 million metric tons of hydrogen each second [19]. Hydrogen gas is squeezed together with immense force that four hydrogen nuclei combine to form one helium atom. During this process, some of the mass from the hydrogen atoms is converted into energy.
Types of Energy Released
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The gamma rays produced by the Sun lose energy, leaving the Sun's surface as: [8].
- ultraviolet- radiation with wavelengths between 290 and 400 nanometers (billionth of a meter)[30].
- visible-radiation with wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers.
- infrared- radiation with wavelengths between 700 and 1000000 nanometers.
Importance
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Solar Energy is extremely important to planet Earth. Most processes on Earth, such as the water cycle and climate, are powered by the Sun's energy. The Sun is a relatively infinite source of energy, which can be used to power anything from a calculator to an entire city. Ultimately, Solar Energy has the potential to allow technology and nature to co-exist peacefully.