The triple alpha process requires higher temperatures to start and produces less energy for a given mass than the proton-proton chain.

Question

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The triple alpha process requires higher temperatures because it involves the fusion of helium nuclei, which have a higher charge and thus require more energy to overcome the electrostatic repulsion. It produces less energy per unit mass compared to the proton-proton chain, which is more efficient at converting mass into energy.

The Triple Alpha Process Requires Higher Temperatures to Start and Produces