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Proton capture is anuclear reaction in which anatomic nucleus and one or moreprotons collide and merge to form a heavier nucleus.
Since protons have positive electric charge, they are repelledelectrostatically by the positively charged nucleus. Therefore, it is more difficult for protons to enter the nucleus compared to neutrally chargedneutrons.
Proton capture plays an important role in the cosmicnucleosynthesis of proton-rich isotopes.[1] In stars it can proceed in two ways: as a rapid (rp-process) or a slow process (p-process). It is also key toCNO fusion reactions in stars.
This process makes lithium in stars to get converted into helium in main-sequence stars.
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