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I recently learned that hydrogen fusion (i.e., hydrogen to helium) experiments on Earth have been successful at temperatures in excess of 100,000,000 degrees Celsius. However, I also learned that hydrogen fusion in the core of the Sun takes place at 15,000,000 degrees Celsius.

My question: Why the difference? Is it ONLY because the pressure of Earth's atmosphere is so much less than the pressure in the Sun's core, or are there other factors to be considered?

Thanks,

I recently learned that hydrogen fusion (i.e., hydrogen to helium) experiments on Earth have been successful at temperatures in excess of 100,000,000 degrees Celsius. However, I also learned that hydrogen fusion in the core of the Sun takes place at 15,000 degrees Celsius.

My question: Why the difference? Is it ONLY because the pressure of Earth's atmosphere is so much less than the pressure in the Sun's core, or are there other factors to be considered?

Thanks,

I recently learned that hydrogen fusion (i.e., hydrogen to helium) experiments on Earth have been successful at temperatures in excess of 100,000,000 degrees Celsius. However, I also learned that hydrogen fusion in the core of the Sun takes place at 15,000,000 degrees Celsius.

My question: Why the difference? Is it ONLY because the pressure of Earth's atmosphere is so much less than the pressure in the Sun's core, or are there other factors to be considered?

Thanks,

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E.N.B.
E.N.B.
  • 85
  • 7

Temperature of fusion in the Sun vs. fusion in controlled experiments on Earth

I recently learned that hydrogen fusion (i.e., hydrogen to helium) experiments on Earth have been successful at temperatures in excess of 100,000,000 degrees Celsius. However, I also learned that hydrogen fusion in the core of the Sun takes place at 15,000 degrees Celsius.

My question: Why the difference? Is it ONLY because the pressure of Earth's atmosphere is so much less than the pressure in the Sun's core, or are there other factors to be considered?

Thanks,