Problem 1. Mass-Energy conversion in the Sun (Palen, et. al. 3rd Edition, Chapter 11, problems 38, 39) The Sun produces energy by converting mass m into energy E according to E = mc2 where c is the speed of light (c = 300,000 km/sec). Show that if the Sun produces 3.85 × 1026 joules (J) of energy per second, it must convert 4.3 billion kg of mass per second into energy. Note that 1 J/s is a watt (W), which may be more familiar to you. How much mass has the Sun lost over its lifetime (4.5 billion years)? The current mass of the Sun is 2 × 1030. What fraction of this mass has been converted into energy during the Sun’s lifetime?

Astronomy
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168284
Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Chapter16: The Sun: A Nuclear Powerhouse
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 33E: In fact, the conversion of mass to energy in the Sun is not 100% efficient. As we have seen in the...
icon
Related questions
Question
100%

Problem 1. Mass-Energy conversion in the Sun (Palen, et. al. 3rd Edition, Chapter 11, problems 38, 39)

  1. The Sun produces energy by converting mass m into energy E according to E = mc2 where c is the speed of light (c = 300,000 km/sec). Show that if the Sun produces 3.85 × 1026 joules (J) of energy per second, it must convert 4.3 billion kg of mass per second into energy. Note that 1 J/s is a watt (W), which may be more familiar to you.
  2. How much mass has the Sun lost over its lifetime (4.5 billion years)?

The current mass of the Sun is 2 × 1030. What fraction of this mass has been converted into energy during the Sun’s lifetime?

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 12 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Relativistic speed and time
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Astronomy
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168284
Author:
Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:
OpenStax
Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student…
Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student…
Physics
ISBN:
9780078807213
Author:
Paul W. Zitzewitz
Publisher:
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:
9781337399920
Author:
Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)
Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:
9781337399944
Author:
Michael A. Seeds
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
The Solar System
The Solar System
Physics
ISBN:
9781337672252
Author:
The Solar System
Publisher:
Cengage