The primary outcome of this fundamental stellar process involves the fusion of four hydrogen nuclei into one helium nucleus. This fusion releases energy in the form of gamma rays, neutrinos, and positrons. The slight difference in mass between the four protons and the resulting helium nucleus is converted into energy, according to Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc. A simplified representation of this process is 4H He + energy.
This reaction is the dominant energy source in stars like our Sun, powering their luminosity and enabling them to withstand gravitational collapse for billions of years. Understanding this process is crucial for comprehending stellar evolution, the lifecycle of stars, and the production of heavier elements in the universe. It also offers insights into the conditions necessary for nuclear fusion and its potential as a future energy source on Earth.