释义 |
triple alpha process
triple alpha processn. A thermonuclear fusion reaction in which three alpha particles (helium nuclei) fuse to form a carbon nucleus, thereby releasing energy. The triple alpha process fuels the luminosity of stars after they leave the main sequence. triple alpha process
triple alpha process (Salpeter process) A nuclear reaction occurring in an evolved star's interior when all the hydrogen has been used up and the core temperature has reached about 108 kelvin. Three helium nuclei (alpha particles) fuse together to form carbon by the reaction 34He → 12C + γ This reaction gives out only 10% as much energy per unit mass as hydrogen burning. |