Question

In what order do the steps of the fusion process in the sun occur?

1) x, y, z
2) y, x, z
3) z, y, x
4) z, x, y

Answer 1

In the Sun, the fusion process follows a three-step proton-proton chain reaction, starting with the fusion of protons to form deuterium (Step 1), the creation of helium-3 (Step 2), and culminating in the formation of helium-4 along with the release of two protons (Step 3).

Step-by-step explanation:

The fusion process in the Sun occurs in a series of steps known as the proton-proton chain reaction. This three-step process successively builds larger nuclei from protons or hydrogen nuclei (1H) and ultimately results in the formation of helium-4 (4He).

1. Proton-Proton Chain, Step 1: Two protons or hydrogen nuclei combine under high temperatures to overcome their electrical repulsion, resulting in the formation of a deuterium nucleus (hydrogen-2), a positron (antielectron), and a neutrino.
2. Proton-Proton Chain, Step 2: A deuterium nucleus produced in the first step will then fuse with another proton, resulting in the production of a helium-3 nucleus and the release of a gamma ray.
3. Proton-Proton Chain, Step 3: Two helium-3 nuclei combine to form helium-4 and release two protons, which then have the energy to stimulate the fusion cycle back at step one.

Thus, the correct order of the steps in the fusion process in the Sun is 1) Step 1, 2) Step 2, and 3) Step 3, corresponding to option 1) x, y, z in the question.