Question

In red giant stars three helium atoms fuse together to form a carbon atom via the process 3($_{2}^{4}\textrm{He}$)$\rightarrow$+$2\gamma$.

A) Calculate the Q value (in Mev) for this reaction (this is the energy in the gamma ray photons and kinetic energy of the carbon nucleus)

B) Assuming the Q value represents the mass converted to energy, determine the mass lost in one reaction.

C) now using the energy of betelgeuse, determine the mass lost in one reaction.

D) how long can betelgeuse burn helium into carbon (in years).

12

Answer 1

.AJ /2 c 2 3x1 002602 12.(o74) 9st mev a bsus bed en it Means Some mass B)

Here

• negative sign in Q- value  indicate reaction is endothermic (energy absorbed).
• negative sign in mass indicate the mass is lost due conversion into energy to form 2 gamma ray photon and carbon atom nuclei.