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.