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However, the resultant helium nucleus weighs less than 4.032 u which means the lost mass has converted into energy. The steps that take place during the proton-proton chain are detailed in the following diagram. When four hydrogen atoms combine, the total mass of resultant products should add up to 4.032 u due to mass conservation. The atomic mass of one hydrogen atom is roughly 1.008 u. Proton-proton chain involves the fusion between 4 hydrogen nuclei (H-1) to form a helium nucleus (He-4). The proton-proton chain is the simplest form of nuclear fusion that occurs in main-sequence stars. This form of mass and energy conservation and conversion is commonly observed in nuclear reactions and situations where high-speed particles collide. It can be converted from u to MeV `c^(-2)` by multiplying by 931.5. Mass can be converted from kg to atomic mass unit ( u ) by dividing by `1.661 xx 10^(-27)`. m is the rest mass of a particle or object in kilograms (kg)Īlternatively, this equation can be used by using the following units:.The energy and mass equivalence is governed by the equation: As a result, each quantity does not need to be conserved in its own form as they can inter-convert. Mass can be converted into energy and energy can be converted into mass. In classical physics, the law of energy and mass conservation underpins many common phenomena such as the collision between objects, acceleration of rockets during its launch and all chemical reactions (formation of product from reactants)Įinstein proposed that mass and energy are in fact interchangeable. Nuclear fusion obeys energy-mass conservation but requires the application of energy-mass equivalence. Nuclear fusion is the process in which atomic nuclei physically combine to form one or more different atomic nucleus and additional sub-atomic particles such as neutrons. Stars, including our Sun, produce energy via nuclear fusion. This video discusses three main types of nuclear fusion that occur in stars: proton-proton chain, CNO cycle and triple alpha process. – CNO (carbon-nitrogen-oxygen) cycle How do stars produce energy?