Helium fusion is called the triple-alpha process because
A)the helium nucleus is known as an alpha particle.
B)it occurs very rapidly.
C)it requires a temperature three times greater than that of hydrogen fusion.
D)it is the third source of the primary fusion processes.
E)each reaction produces three carbon nuclei.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Helium fusion involves the fusion of three helium nuclei (each with two protons and two neutrons) to form a carbon nucleus (with six protons and six neutrons). Since helium nuclei are also known as alpha particles, this process is called the triple-alpha process.

Helium Fusion Is Called the Triple-Alpha Process Because