The overall helium fusion reaction is _ .
A)three helium nuclei fuse to form one carbon nucleus
B)two helium nuclei fuse to form one beryllium nucleus
C)four helium nuclei fuse to form one oxygen nucleus
D)two hydrogen nuclei fuse to form one helium nucleus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is known as the triple-alpha process, where three helium nuclei (alpha particles) come together to form one carbon-12 nucleus. This is the process that powers the later stages of a star's life, after the hydrogen fuel in its core has been exhausted.

The Overall Helium Fusion Reaction Is _