Nuclear Fusion

what happens in nuclear fusion?

nuclei fuse together to make the nucleus of a heavier element

what are the conditions required for fusion?

high temperature and pressure

what element does nuclear fusion stop at

iron

why does nuclear fusion stop after a certain point?

it becomes energetically unfavorable so other elements are formed during a supernova

what is the reaction for helium?

¹₁ H+ ²₁ H —> ³₂ He + γ

what is the triple alpha process?

where most of our carbon comes from

⁴₂He + ⁴₂He + ⁴₂He —> ¹²₆C