Chapter 19, Problem 1QRT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In relation to formation of elements, hydrogen burning and helium burning has to be explained.

Explanation of Solution

Nuclear fusion of hydrogen (protons) to form helium nucleus is known as hydrogen burning.  Inside the stars, elements from hydrogen to iron are formed due to the intense heat energy.

    $\text{4}\text{H}\stackrel{}{\to }\text{H}\text{e}\text{+}\text{2}\text{e}\text{+}\text{2}\gamma$

Nuclear fusion of helium-4 nuclei forming beryllium-8 and carbon-12 nucleus is known as helium burning.  Carbon-12 is formed from beryllium-8 because beryllium-8 is unstable and it combines with helium-4.

    $\begin{array}{l}\text{H}\text{e}+\text{H}\text{e}\stackrel{}{\to }\text{B}\text{e}\\ \text{B}\text{e}+\text{H}\text{e}\stackrel{}{\to }\text{C}\end{array}$