When two He atoms undergo fusion in a star, the resulting element is:

Question

When two He atoms undergo fusion in a star, the resulting element is:

a) H

b) Li

c) Be

d) He

e) all of the above

Answer 1

Hello, Ina,

Two helium atoms fuse together under extremely high temperatures (e.g., the sun) to form berylium:

⁴He + ⁴He (+ lotsa heat) = ⁸Be

(The supercripts are the atomic masses)

Added credit:

A berylium can fuse with another He atom to form carbon.

⁴He + ⁸Be (+ more heat) = ¹²C

And carbon forms with another helium to form oxygen, and it continues up to around iron (Fe) in our sun, if I remember correctly. Heavier elements originate in pulsars and other universe high-energy events, then slowly make their way to Earth.

Bob

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[It was a relief for me when I learned our sun is made up of hydrogen and heium combining to release energy via nuclear fisson. I had learned enough in early high school (early 60's) to wonder if the headines I read stating the world is starting to run out of oil, were actually true. It made me wonder how the sun could last,as long as it has, but we we on Earth couldn't. Without a clue, I found the energy emitted from the sun in a day, the amount of oil it would take to produce the same energy, and then calculated the life of the sun assuming it's entire volume were oil, buring at the current rate. I only got 20 years, or less. But no one would listen to me. Please don't tell anyone]. :)

Bob