What fusion mechanism powers low-to-intermediate mass stars like the Sun?

Answer

Proton-proton chain

Low-to-intermediate mass stars, such as our Sun, sustain their energy output during the main sequence phase primarily through the proton-proton chain reaction occurring in their cores. This mechanism involves a sequence of nuclear collisions where individual hydrogen nuclei, specifically protons, combine sequentially. The net result of this chain reaction is the successful fusion of four individual hydrogen nuclei (protons) into a single, heavier helium nucleus. This process releases the immense energy, manifested as light and heat, that defines the star's luminosity and maintains the necessary outward pressure to resist gravitational collapse. While other fusion processes exist, the proton-proton chain is the principal driver for stars in this mass category under the specific core conditions found in objects comparable to the Sun.

What fusion mechanism powers low-to-intermediate mass stars like the Sun?

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