The energy production in the sun and the star could be explained on the basis of carbon cycle by means of which hydrogen is converted into helium. 6C12 act as a catalyst in these reactions. It undergo changes but is not used up since it is again produced in the final reaction. The reactions involved in the carbon cycle are
6C12 + 1H2——-> 7N14 + Q
7N14 + 1H1——-> 8O15 + Q
8O15——-> 7N15 + 1e0
7N15 + 1H1——-> 6C12 + 2He4
The overall reaction is obtained as:
4 1H1 ——-> 2He4 + 2 + 1e0 + 24.7MeV
The two positions, on annihilations, give another 2 MeV of energy.
Of this energy, about 25MeV heat the stars and the rest is carried off by neutrinos.
