Physics

Problem

1. a The triple alpha process is the series of reactions

{}_{2}^{4}\text{He} + {}_{2}^{4}\text{He} \rightarrow {}_{4}^{8}\text{Be} + \gamma

{}_{2}^{4}\text{He} + {}_{4}^{8}\text{Be} \rightarrow {}_{6}^{12}\text{C} + \gamma

Show that the net effect of the triple alpha process is to fuse three helium nuclei into one of carbon-12. 2. b Show that the energy released in the triple alpha process is 7.27 MeV. (Helium mass = 4.0026 u.) 3. c Assume that all the mass of a star is made entirely of helium. The mass is

3.0 \times 10^{32}

kg and the luminosity is

1.6 \times 10^{34}

W. How long would it take this star to convert all the helium to carbon?

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