A hydrogen nucleus (a proton) has a charge of +1, and a helium nucleus has a charge of +2. Why, then, does it require four protons to form helium in the core of the Sun?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the process of forming helium in the Sun's core, two of the protons undergo a transformation into neutrons through the process of beta decay. This is part of the proton-proton chain reaction, which ultimately results in the formation of a helium nucleus from four protons, with two of the protons turning into neutrons, thus creating a nucleus with two protons and two neutrons.

A Hydrogen Nucleus (A Proton) Has a Charge of +1