What particles are released during the initial collision step of the Proton-Proton chain reaction?

Answer

A positron ($e^+$) and a neutrino ($ u$).

The initial stage of the proton-proton chain reaction involves two individual hydrogen nuclei, or protons, colliding under extreme core conditions. This collision results in the formation of a deuteron (Hydrogen-2 nucleus). Crucially, this transformation involves the conversion of a proton into a neutron via the weak nuclear force, leading to the simultaneous emission of two specific subatomic particles: a positron, which is the antiparticle of an electron, and a neutrino, which carries away a portion of the energy released. These emissions are essential prerequisites for the subsequent steps where the deuteron captures another proton to build towards Helium-3.

What particles are released during the initial collision step of the Proton-Proton chain reaction?

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