What is the resulting product when intermediate-mass stars fuse helium nuclei during the triple-alpha process?
Answer
Carbon
The triple-alpha process is a specific chain reaction occurring within the cores of certain evolved stars, particularly intermediate-mass stars. This process specifically involves the fusion of three helium nuclei, which results in the creation of a carbon nucleus. This reaction is the primary pathway for generating the first elements heavier than helium found in the stellar interior. If the star subsequently contracts further and achieves even higher core temperatures, this newly formed carbon can then participate in further fusion reactions to create elements like neon and oxygen.
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