What is the main composition of stars similar to the Sun?

The primary composition of stars like the Sun is mostly hydrogen and helium. In fact, about 74% of the Sun’s mass is hydrogen, while helium makes up about 24%. These two elements are formed during the early stages of stellar evolution and are the primary fuels for nuclear fusion that powers stars. Through the process of fusion, hydrogen atoms combine under extreme pressure and temperature in the star's core to form helium, releasing energy in the process, which is what makes stars shine.

Other elements such as oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, argon, sodium, and potassium are present in much smaller quantities and typically result from the later stages of stellar life cycles or supernova explosions. Stars like the Sun do contain trace amounts of these heavier elements, but they are not the main constituents. Therefore, the composition predominantly being hydrogen and helium reflects both the processes that create stars and how they generate energy throughout their lifetimes.