Two protons will repel each other due to the electric force. What does this imply about the fusion of protons to create a helium nucleus?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question describes two protons repelling each other via the electric (Coulomb) force and asks what this implies about fusion to helium.
Option 1: 'It can only occur in extremely low temperature environments' — This is incorrect. Very low temperatures mean low kinetic energy, making it harder for protons to overcome the Coulomb barrier to get close enough for the strong nuclear force to act. Fusion requires sufficient energy, which is not available at low temperatures.
Option 2: 'It is impossible' — This is false. Proton-proton fusion does occur in the universe (e.g., in the cores of stars), where conditions allow protons to overcome their electrostatic repulsion, so fusion is not impossible.
Option 3: 'It can only occur in extremely high temperature environments' — This is the key idea. Extremely high temperatures provide protons with high kinetic energy, increasing the likelihood that they come close enough for the strong nuclear force to act, enabling fusion despite Coulomb repulsion. This is why stellar cores are hot and dense enough to sustain fusion reactions.
Option 4: 'It can only occur if both protons decay into neutrons' — This is not a requirement for fusion to helium. Proton-proton fusion can proceed before any decay into neutrons; the initial steps involve protons fusing and, through a series of processes, producing helium nuclei while emitting positrons and neutrinos, not relying on proton decay into neutrons.
Thus, the reasoning indicates that the process requires high-energy conditions to overcome repulsion, not low temperatures or impossibility, and does not necessitate protons turning into neutrons.

ASTR-1-45046-F25 Lecture: The Sun

Two protons will repel each other due to the electric force. What does this imply about the fusion of protons to create a helium nucleus?

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