The Sun consists mainly of which gas?

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Study for the Earth Science Standards of Learning Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

The Sun consists mainly of which gas?

Explanation:
The Sun is mostly hydrogen gas. In stars like our Sun, the bulk of the matter is hydrogen, with helium as the next most abundant element. At the Sun’s extreme temperatures, the gas is in a fully ionized state called plasma, so hydrogen exists primarily as free protons and electrons. By mass, roughly three-quarters is hydrogen and about one-quarter is helium, with the rest being heavier elements. This abundance of hydrogen is what powers the Sun’s energy through fusion of hydrogen into helium in its core. The other options don’t fit because oxygen gas and carbon dioxide aren’t the primary constituents, and helium, while abundant, is not the majority.

The Sun is mostly hydrogen gas. In stars like our Sun, the bulk of the matter is hydrogen, with helium as the next most abundant element. At the Sun’s extreme temperatures, the gas is in a fully ionized state called plasma, so hydrogen exists primarily as free protons and electrons. By mass, roughly three-quarters is hydrogen and about one-quarter is helium, with the rest being heavier elements. This abundance of hydrogen is what powers the Sun’s energy through fusion of hydrogen into helium in its core. The other options don’t fit because oxygen gas and carbon dioxide aren’t the primary constituents, and helium, while abundant, is not the majority.

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