What is the primary composition of the Sun?

The primary composition of the Sun is hydrogen, which constitutes about 74% of its mass. Understanding the Sun's composition is crucial because it directly influences its behavior and lifecycle. Hydrogen is the fuel for the nuclear fusion reactions that occur in the Sun's core, where it is converted into helium, releasing an immense amount of energy in the process. This energy is what powers the Sun and provides light and warmth to our solar system.

While helium is also a significant component of the Sun, making up about 24% of its mass, hydrogen is the dominant element. Other elements, such as oxygen and carbon, are present in much smaller quantities, collectively making up only about 2% of the Sun's mass. Thus, hydrogen's abundance is a key factor in understanding not just the Sun's makeup, but also the processes that drive its stellar dynamics.