The Sun radiates energy at a rate of 3.8 × 10²⁶ W. Assuming that rate is constant, approximately how long does it take for the Sun to lose an amount of mass equal to the mass of the Earth (6.0 × 10²⁴ kg)? A) 63 seconds B) 600 years C) 4.5 × 10⁷ years D) 1.8 × 10¹¹ years E) 1.4 × 10¹⁵ years

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy-mass equivalence principle (E=mc²) can be used to calculate the time. The energy equivalent of the Earth's mass is 6.0 × 10²⁴ kg × (3 × 10⁸ m/s)² = 5.4 × 10⁴¹ J. Dividing this by the Sun's energy output rate (3.8 × 10²⁶ W) gives approximately 4.5 × 10⁷ years.

The Sun Radiates Energy at a Rate of 3