In the proton-proton chain
A) no neutrinos are produced.
B) energy is released because a hydrogen nucleus has a greater mass than a helium nucleus.
C) no photons are produced.
D) carbon serves as a catalyst for the nuclear reaction.
E) energy is produced in the form of gamma rays and the velocity of the created nuclei.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The proton-proton chain is a series of nuclear reactions that occur in the core of the Sun. In this process, hydrogen nuclei fuse together to form helium nuclei, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays and the velocity of the created nuclei. No carbon is involved in the process, and neutrinos are also produced. Therefore, choices A, B, C, and D are incorrect. In the proton-proton chain, energy is produced in the form of gamma rays as well as the velocity of the created nuclei. No neutrinos are not produced in this process. The energy release occurs due to the fusion of four protons into one helium nucleus, which has a slightly lower mass than the combined mass of the four protons. Carbon does serve as a catalyst for a later stage of the reaction, but not for the initial proton-proton fusion.

In the Proton-Proton Chain