Question

As gasses contracted to form the first stars, heating triggered the process of ________ in their interiors.

Answer 1

In their interiors, the star's atoms are taken apart by tremendous atomic collisions. It makes the stars hot and bright by altering its atomic structure, releasing an enormous amount of energy. Nuclear fusion occurs. It involves two atomic nuclei assembling to make a large nucleus. Hydrogen nuclei join to form helium nuclei. Stars uses its hydrogen to maintain their energy output.

Answer 2

The answer is thermonuclear fusion. This occurs when the light elements (such as hydrogen and helium) are forced to compact together under heavy gravitational forces, causing the atoms to fuse and form other heavier elements like iron and the release large amounts of energy.