Proton-proton chain
from class:
Intro to Astronomy
Definition
The proton-proton chain is the dominant fusion process in stars like the Sun, converting hydrogen into helium and releasing energy. It involves a series of nuclear reactions that produce positrons, neutrinos, and gamma rays.
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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The proton-proton chain starts with the fusion of two protons to form a deuterium nucleus, a positron, and a neutrino.
- The net result of the proton-proton chain is four hydrogen nuclei (protons) combining to form one helium-4 nucleus.
- This fusion process releases energy because the mass of four protons is slightly greater than the mass of one helium-4 nucleus, with the difference converted into energy via E=mc^2.
- Energy from the proton-proton chain powers stars like our Sun and contributes to their luminosity.
- Neutrinos produced in this process travel out from the core of the star almost without interacting with other matter.
Review Questions
- What are the initial reactants and final products in the proton-proton chain?
- Why does the proton-proton chain release energy according to Einstein's theory of relativity?
- What subatomic particles are emitted during each step of the proton-proton chain?
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