The Sun consists of mostly which two elements?

The story behind the answer

Hydrogen and helium dominate the Sun—about 74% hydrogen and 24% helium by mass (even higher hydrogen by number of atoms). The Sun shines because its core fuses hydrogen into helium, releasing energy. Astronomers confirm this composition through spectroscopy, which shows characteristic absorption lines of these elements in sunlight.

Interesting context: After the Big Bang, the universe primarily made hydrogen and helium; heavier elements are only trace “metals” in astronomical terms. As the Sun ages, its core gradually accumulates more helium. Memory tip: Think “the Sun runs on the first two elements of the periodic table”—H then He—fuel and ash of stellar fire.