Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning)

3⁴He → ¹²C + γ

Aperçu

Three helium-4 nuclei fuse to form carbon-12 in stars through the triple-alpha process, which occurs above 100 million K. Two helium nuclei first form unstable beryllium-8, which immediately captures a third helium to form carbon-12 via the Hoyle state resonance. Fred Hoyle predicted this resonance to explain carbon abundance.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Helium He	3	(g)
Produit	Carbon C	1	(s)

Exemple du quotidien

All the carbon in your body, in every living thing, and in diamonds was forged inside stars by this triple-alpha process.

Importance industrielle

Understanding stellar nucleosynthesis explains the cosmic abundance of elements and guides nuclear astrophysics research.

Propriétés

Type: Nuclear
Réversible: Non
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -730000000,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning)?

The balanced equation is: 3⁴He → ¹²C + γ.

What type of reaction is Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning)?

Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning) is a nuclear reaction.

Is Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning) exothermic or endothermic?

Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -730000000.0 kJ/mol.