In the proton- proton cycle, the helium atom and neutrino have less mass than the original hydrogen. What happens to the "lost" mass?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "lost" mass in the proton-proton cycle is converted into energy according to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, E=mc^2, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. This principle explains how mass can be converted into energy, which is what happens during the fusion process in stars, including the proton-proton cycle.

In the Proton- Proton Cycle, the Helium Atom and Neutrino