What are the primary elements that make up the sun?

The primary elements that make up the sun are hydrogen and helium. In fact, about 74% of the sun's mass is hydrogen, while roughly 24% is helium. These two elements are vital to the processes occurring within the sun, particularly the nuclear fusion that powers it. During fusion, hydrogen nuclei combine under extreme temperatures and pressures to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. This energy is what gives the sun its light and heat, making it essential for life on Earth.

The other options refer to elements that are much less abundant in the sun. Oxygen and nitrogen, for instance, while important for life on Earth, make up only a tiny fraction of the sun's composition. Similarly, carbon, calcium, iron, and magnesium are present in much smaller amounts compared to hydrogen and helium. This distinction highlights the dominance of hydrogen and helium in stellar composition, particularly in our sun.