triple-alpha process
 |
Triple-alpha process
|
A chain of nuclear fusion reactions, also
known as the Salpeter process after the Austrian-American
astrophysicist Edwin Salpeter (1924–) who first identified it, by
which helium is converted into carbon.
The triple-alpha process is the main source of energy production in red
giants and red supergiants in
which the core temperature has reached at least 100 million K. Two nuclei
of helium (alpha particles) collide, fuse, and form a nucleus of beryllium.
During a third collision between beryllium and helium, carbon is formed.
Successive collisions build oxygen and neon.
Related entry
• helium burning
Related category
• STELLAR
ASTROPHYSICS
Also on this site:
Encyclopedia
of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia
of History
BACK TO TOP
|
