Question

Extreme____in the center of nebulae causes hydrogen atoms to shed their electrons and collide with one another. The____of the collisions cause the smaller, bare nuclei to fuse into large helium nuclei.

Answer 1

The extreme temperatures in star nebulae enable hydrogen atoms to engage in nuclear fusion, producing larger helium nuclei. High temperatures and pressures in stars’ cores are required for these fusion reactions, which are responsible for the formation of various elements and the radiant appearance of nebulae in space. The energy of the collisions cause the smaller, bare nuclei to fuse into larger helium nuclei

Step-by-step explanation:

Extreme temperatures in the center of nebulae cause hydrogen atoms to shed their electrons and collide with one another. The energy of the collisions cause the smaller, bare nuclei to fuse into larger helium nuclei. In the cores of stars, this fusion process requires conditions of extreme pressure and heat, producing helium and heavier elements like carbon and oxygen from helium fusion in more massive stars.

Stars initiate nuclear fusion, or hydrogen burning, once their core temperature becomes sufficient to overcome the electrostatic repulsion of hydrogen nuclei. The fusion reactions in stars emit energy, contributing to the star's luminosity and influencing the formation of various types of nebulae. As stars evolve, they may undergo different fusion reactions, leading to the creation of heavier elements beyond helium, particularly in more massive stars, where reactions involving carbon and nitrogen are possible.

Formation of Elements Beyond Hydrogen:

All elements beyond hydrogen were formed in stars, where high temperatures and concentrations of matter allow for nuclear fusion. This process, starting with hydrogen fusion, leads to the formation of heavier elements. The result of such nuclear activities includes the stunning visual phenomena known as nebulae, which glow due to the radiation from nearby hot stars.

Answer 2

Extreme heat and pressure in nebulae centers induce hydrogen nuclei to collide and fuse into helium nuclei through nuclear fusion, which requires high temperatures to overcome electrostatic repulsion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Extreme heat and pressure in the center of nebulae cause hydrogen atoms to shed their electrons and collide with one another. The energy of the collisions cause the smaller, bare nuclei to fuse into larger helium nuclei. This process is called nuclear fusion and occurs in the cores of stars where conditions are extreme enough for this process to take place. In particular, temperatures need to be high enough to provide the hydrogen nuclei with sufficient kinetic energy to overcome their electrostatic repulsion. The central region of a nebula, with massive gravitational pressure, provides the conditions necessary for hydrogen nuclei to undergo fusion, releasing vast amounts of energy and forming helium through a process such as the triple-alpha process.