PH
Nuclear Astrophysics p-p I Branch

Proton-Proton Fusion Chain

Explore stellar nucleosynthesis step-by-step: turning Hydrogen into Helium-4

Cumulative Energy Output 0.00 MeV

Reaction Stages

Core Conditions

15.0 MK

Reaction Mechanics

Two protons fuse against Coulomb repulsion. Weak interaction converts one proton into a neutron, forming Deuterium (²H) while releasing a positron (e⁺) and neutrino (νₑ).

Primary Product: Deuteron (²H)
Byproducts: Positron (e⁺), Neutrino (νₑ)
Step Energy Release: 0.42 MeV
Stellar Core Collision Viewport Ready
Proton (p)
Neutron (n)
Positron (e⁺)
Neutrino (νₑ)
Photon (γ)
Helium-3 (³He)
Helium-4 (⁴He)