What are stars composed of?

Stars are composed primarily of hydrogen and helium. These are the two lightest and most abundant elements in the universe. Hydrogen makes up about 74% of the mass of an average star, while helium accounts for around 24%. The remaining 2% consists of trace amounts of heavier elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and others. These elements play a crucial role in the processes that occur within stars, including nuclear fusion, which powers the star and enables it to generate heat and light.

Stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which make up most of their mass. The fusion of hydrogen into helium in the core of a star releases energy in the form of light and heat. Additionally, stars also contain trace amounts of other elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and iron. These elements are created through nuclear fusion processes that occur in the intense temperatures and pressures of a star's core. As a star evolves, it can produce heavier elements through nuclear reactions, which are then released into space through processes like stellar winds or supernova explosions.