Helium burning is stellar nuclear fusion in which helium nuclei are converted into heavier nuclei. The Triple-alpha process combines three helium-4 nuclei through an unstable beryllium-8 intermediate to form carbon-12; capture of another alpha particle can produce oxygen-16.
The strong temperature dependence and sensitivity to density make ignition conditions important for stellar evolution. In a degenerate core, expansion may initially provide little temperature regulation, permitting a helium flash. Burning means nuclear energy release here, rather than chemical combustion with oxygen.
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