1. Collision and Fusion: Two protons (hydrogen nuclei) collide with incredible force due to the immense pressure and temperature in the core. This force overcomes the electrostatic repulsion between the protons, causing them to fuse.
2. Positron Emission: During the fusion, one of the protons transforms into a neutron, releasing a positron (the antiparticle of an electron) and a neutrino. The positron quickly annihilates with an electron, releasing energy in the form of gamma rays.
3. Deuterium Formation: The result of this fusion is a deuterium nucleus, consisting of one proton and one neutron, along with a positron and a neutrino.
This is just the first step in a chain of reactions that leads to the formation of heavier elements, such as helium, carbon, and oxygen. The energy released from these reactions is what powers the star and provides the outward pressure that balances the inward gravitational pull.
