Eddington was the first to consider what as a star's energy source?
Chemical reactions
Friction
Thermal energy
Nuclear fusion
Answer
Nuclear fusion, the answer identified by Eddington as the primary energy source of stars, is a process that combines light atomic nuclei into heavier ones, releasing vast amounts of energy. Unlike nuclear fission, which splits heavy nuclei, fusion combines lighter ones, like those of hydrogen, to create helium. This process powers stars, sustaining their radiant energy output and counteracting the gravitational forces that would otherwise cause them to collapse.
Unlocking the Stars: The Arthur Eddington Odyssey
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