<P> Helium accumulates in the core of stars as a result of the proton -- proton chain reaction and the carbon -- nitrogen -- oxygen cycle . Further nuclear fusion reactions of helium with hydrogen or another alpha particle produce lithium - 5 and beryllium - 8 respectively . Both products are highly unstable and decay , almost instantly , back into smaller nuclei , unless a third alpha particle fuses with a beryllium before that time to produce a stable carbon - 12 nucleus . </P>
<P> Helium accumulates in the core of stars as a result of the proton -- proton chain reaction and the carbon -- nitrogen -- oxygen cycle . Further nuclear fusion reactions of helium with hydrogen or another alpha particle produce lithium - 5 and beryllium - 8 respectively . Both products are highly unstable and decay , almost instantly , back into smaller nuclei , unless a third alpha particle fuses with a beryllium before that time to produce a stable carbon - 12 nucleus . </P>
what are the products of helium burning in a star
what are the products of helium burning in a star
carbon - 12
carbon - 12