Proton + Proton = Deuterium? How?

  • Thread starter Smarky
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In summary, the picture shows a collision between two protons, resulting in the creation of a Deuterium atom. However, one of the protons also undergoes a Beta minus decay, indicating that the proton transmutation occurred during the collision. This is shown through the emission of a positron and an associated neutrino. The d+d reaction, which requires a photon, is considered to be the dominant reaction, while the p+p reaction, which requires a neutrino, is considered to be weaker.
  • #1
Smarky
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In this Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/FusionintheSun.svg at the beginning, two protons collide and create a Deuterium.
But from the other left-over's we can see that a Beta minus decay has occurred to one of the protons.
So it means that one proton decayed and then collided with the proton?
Or the collision made the proton decay?
 
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  • #2
Smarky said:
In this Picture: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/FusionintheSun.svg at the beginning, two protons collide and create a Deuterium.
But from the other left-over's we can see that a Beta minus decay has occurred to one of the protons.
So it means that one proton decayed and then collided with the proton?
Or the collision made the proton decay?
The proton transmutation is considered to happen at the time of collision. It's a positron emission with an electron associated neutrion that is emitted via a weak process.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/astro/procyc.html#c4
 
  • #3
My guess is that those pictures are meant to show why the strong tritium reaction is the dominant one. The d+d reaction requires a photon, so it is EM. The p+p requires a neutrino, so it is weak.
 

1. How can two protons combine to form deuterium?

The process of two protons combining to form deuterium is known as nuclear fusion. In this process, the two protons are brought together with extreme force and energy, causing them to overcome their repulsive electric charges. This results in the formation of a deuterium nucleus, which consists of one proton and one neutron.

2. What is the role of temperature in the formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion?

Temperature plays a crucial role in the formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion. In order for the protons to overcome their repulsive forces and fuse together, they must first reach extremely high temperatures (around 10 million degrees Celsius). At such high temperatures, the protons have enough kinetic energy to overcome their electric charges and fuse together to form deuterium.

3. Is the formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion a common occurrence?

In the universe, the formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion is a relatively rare occurrence. This is because the high temperatures required for this process to take place are only found in extreme environments, such as the core of stars. Additionally, the process of nuclear fusion is highly dependent on the availability of hydrogen, which is not as abundant in the universe as other elements.

4. What are the potential applications of deuterium formed through proton-proton fusion?

Deuterium formed through proton-proton fusion has several potential applications. One of the most well-known uses is in nuclear fusion reactors, where deuterium can be used as a fuel to generate clean and sustainable energy. Deuterium also has applications in the production of heavy water, which is used in nuclear power plants and in some medical procedures.

5. How does the formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion contribute to the energy production in stars?

The formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion is a crucial step in the energy production process in stars. The energy released in this fusion reaction helps to counteract the gravitational forces that are constantly trying to collapse the star. In this way, the formation of deuterium through proton-proton fusion helps to sustain the energy production and stability of stars.

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