Hydrogen- the only atom smaller
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Helium atoms in a star are formed through the process of nuclear fusion. In the core of a star, hydrogen atoms combine through a series of fusion reactions to form helium atoms. This happens when hydrogen atoms collide and fuse together, releasing energy in the process.
3 Helium nuclei combine to form a carbon nucleus,releasing light energy
Helium is formed through nuclear fusion in stars. In the core of a star, hydrogen atoms undergo fusion to form helium. This fusion process releases energy and is the source of a star's energy.
Yes, the ratio of helium atoms to hydrogen atoms does increase as a star ages. Stars undergo nuclear fusion reactions in their core, converting hydrogen into helium over time. This process increases the proportion of helium relative to hydrogen in the star's composition as it ages.
If the central temperature of a star exceeds 100 million Kelvins, as may happen in the later phase of red giants (stars) and red supergiants, then helium can fuse to form beryllium and then carbon.