Here's a simplified breakdown:
1. Two protons collide and fuse to form a deuterium nucleus (one proton and one neutron), releasing a positron (anti-electron) and a neutrino.
2. The deuterium nucleus captures another proton, forming a helium-3 nucleus (two protons and one neutron) and releasing a gamma ray photon.
3. Two helium-3 nuclei fuse to form a helium-4 nucleus (two protons and two neutrons) and releasing two protons.
This cycle can be summarized as:
4 protons → 1 helium-4 nucleus + 2 positrons + 2 neutrinos + 2 gamma ray photons + energy
The energy released in this process is primarily in the form of gamma rays and neutrinos, which contribute to the Sun's immense heat and light.
Important Note: The proton-proton chain reaction is a complex process involving several intermediary steps and reactions. The above description is a simplified version for easy understanding.