Which specific fusion process creates Carbon from Helium nuclei in massive stars?
Answer
Triple-alpha process
Once a massive star exhausts the hydrogen in its core, gravity compresses the inert helium core until temperatures reach approximately 100 million Kelvin, at which point helium ignition occurs. The specific fusion mechanism responsible for building the next heaviest element is the triple-alpha process. This process involves the fusion of three helium nuclei, which are also known as alpha particles, combining to form a single nucleus of carbon. This event marks the true acceleration and diversification of element creation within the star, initiating the layered burning stages that proceed sequentially outward from the core.
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