Alpha capture
= Alpha capture
{title2=$^{A}_{Z}X+\alpha\longrightarrow{}^{A+4}_{Z+2}Y+\gamma$}
Capture of an <alpha particle> increases the mass number by four and atomic number by two. Radiative alpha capture releases a photon, while reactions such as $(\alpha,n)$ can instead emit a neutron. <Carbon-12 alpha capture> competes with helium production of carbon during <core helium burning>.