<P> Fusion powers stars and produces virtually all elements in a process called nucleosynthesis . The Sun is a main - sequence star , and , as such , generates its energy by nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium . In its core , the Sun fuses 620 million metric tons of hydrogen and makes 606 million metric tons of helium each second . The fusion of lighter elements in stars releases energy and the mass that always accompanies it . For example , in the fusion of two hydrogen nuclei to form helium , 0.7 % of the mass is carried away in the form of kinetic energy of an alpha particle or other forms of energy , such as electromagnetic radiation . </P>
<P> Fusion powers stars and produces virtually all elements in a process called nucleosynthesis . The Sun is a main - sequence star , and , as such , generates its energy by nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium . In its core , the Sun fuses 620 million metric tons of hydrogen and makes 606 million metric tons of helium each second . The fusion of lighter elements in stars releases energy and the mass that always accompanies it . For example , in the fusion of two hydrogen nuclei to form helium , 0.7 % of the mass is carried away in the form of kinetic energy of an alpha particle or other forms of energy , such as electromagnetic radiation . </P>
what do nuclear reactions on the sun produce
what do nuclear reactions on the sun produce
helium
helium