What gas or combination of gases powers the sun?

The *fusion* of hydrogen (into helium) is the primary energy source of the sun.

(There are some minor secondary effects from the fusion of helium, and some of the heavier elements)

Yeah, you're right. Almost all stars are powered by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms to produce helium atoms. This gives off a lot of heat and light, which is why they shine.

Older stars have exhausted the hydrogen supply in their core, so they start to fuse helium into carbon and oxygen. Other fusion reactions may occur in the region surrounding the core. If the star is massive enough, it can eventually fuse even heavier elements, resulting in a core made of iron. Iron fusion is endothermic, however; it sucks in energy instead of producing it. A star that has built up a core of iron will implode and then explode in a supernova. Even heavier elements may be forged in the fury of the supernova explosion.

I hope that helps. Good luck!

The power/energy of the sun is produced by fusion which is the combining of two tiny atoms of hydrogen to form a larger atom of helium. Fusion happens at the core of the sun caused by its own weight. From the core the energy traverse through to the surface, out and across space, reaching us.

As a main-sequence star, the fusion happening in the Sun primarily involves hydrogen.

You're right... essentially, hydrogen atoms are fused into helium atoms, releasing energy in the process.

HYDROGEN AND HELIUM