When helium fusion begins in a one solar mass main star, it begins gradually, with this rateslowly increasing over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When helium fusion begins in a star of around one solar mass, it starts suddenly in a process known as the helium flash, not gradually. This is because the core is degenerate and does not expand and cool as it heats up, leading to a rapid onset of fusion once the temperature becomes high enough.

When Helium Fusion Begins in a One Solar Mass Main