Triple Alpha Process (Helium Burning)

3⁴He → ¹²C + γ

Overview

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

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Helium He	3	(g)
Product	Carbon C	1	(s)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type: Nuclear
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -730000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

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.