Question

1. (1 pts) what happens in step 3 of nuclear fusion as it occurs in the sun?

Explanation:

In the Sun's nuclear fusion (proton - proton chain), Step 3 involves the fusion of two helium - 3 nuclei ($^3_2\text{He}$) to form a helium - 4 nucleus ($^4_2\text{He}$) and two protons ($^1_1\text{H}$). The reaction is $^3_2\text{He}+^3_2\text{He}
ightarrow^4_2\text{He}+2^1_1\text{H}$. This step releases energy and produces the helium - 4 that is part of the Sun's output and also recycles protons to continue the fusion chain.

Answer:

In Step 3 of the Sun's nuclear fusion (proton - proton chain), two helium - 3 ($\boldsymbol{^3_2\text{He}}$) nuclei fuse to form one helium - 4 ($\boldsymbol{^4_2\text{He}}$) nucleus and two proton ($\boldsymbol{^1_1\text{H}}$) nuclei, with the reaction $\boldsymbol{^3_2\text{He}+^3_2\text{He}
ightarrow^4_2\text{He}+2^1_1\text{H}}$, releasing energy and recycling protons.