Page 62 - The Creation Of The Universe

60 THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE

Single-proton hydrogen nuclei Helium nucleus with two protons and two
neutrons

THE CRITICAL REACTION IN THE SUN
1) Above: Four hydrogen atoms in the Sun join together to form a single
helium atom.
2) Below: This is a two-step process. First two hydrogen atoms fuse form-
ing a deuteron. This transformation is a slow one and is what keeps the
Sun burning constantly.
3) Opposite page: If the strong nuclear force were just a little bit stronger, a
di-proton would be formed instead of a deuteron. Such a reaction however
cannot be sustained for any length of time: a runaway catastrophic explo-
sion would occur in just a few seconds.

Single-proton hydrogen Deuteron nucleus with one pro-
nuclei ton and one neutron