Why is more heat needed to fuse the star fuel carbon then helium?

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Why is more heat needed to fuse the star fuel carbon then helium?

2007-05-10 12:28:06 · 2 answers · asked by Boo Boo 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space

2 answers

The diffefence in binding energy is greater to fuse helium into carbon than hydrogen into helium.

2007-05-10 12:33:51 · answer #1 · answered by cscokid77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Think of it as having to push more positive charge together in the nucleus. You're trying to push 2 groups of 6 positive charges together and not 2 groups of 1.

2007-05-10 19:35:06 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋