How many helium atoms must undergo fusion at 100 million K in the helium flash?

A.Two
B.Three
C.Four
D.Six
E.It varies with density

At that temperature, three form carbon, and a fourth with the carbon forms oxygen. This is the main source of carbon and oxygen in the universe.

So the question makes no sense to me. Two join to form unstable Be, a third added makes carbon, and a fourth makes Oxygen. THis occurs at 100M Kelvins. This process is the helium flash at 100Million K.

Temperatures that exceed 100M Kelvins, three form the Carbon directly, skipping the Be step. A fourth can make Oxygen.

c four

c four

To answer the question correctly, we need to understand the process of helium fusion in the helium flash.

During the helium flash, helium atoms undergo fusion and form other elements. At a temperature of 100 million K, the fusion process typically involves the formation of carbon and oxygen atoms. Let's break it down step by step:

1. Two helium atoms combine to form an unstable beryllium (Be) atom. This step releases energy.
2. A third helium atom joins the Be atom, resulting in the formation of a carbon (C) atom. This step also releases energy.
3. Finally, a fourth helium atom can combine with the carbon atom to produce an oxygen (O) atom. Again, this step releases energy.

So, in the process of the helium flash at 100 million K, four helium atoms are needed to form carbon and oxygen. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Four helium atoms must undergo fusion at 100 million K in the helium flash.