How does the fusion process differ in the core of a red giant star?

In the core of a red giant star, fusion occurs at a much higher rate than in a main sequence star.

Red giant stars are formed when a main sequence star exhausts its hydrogen fuel and begins to fuse helium in its core. This process causes the core to contract and the outer layers of the star to expand, resulting in a much larger and cooler star.

In the core of a red giant star, fusion occurs at a much higher rate than in a main sequence star due to the increased temperature and pressure. The higher temperature allows for more energetic collisions between particles, increasing the likelihood of fusion reactions. The increased pressure also helps to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged nuclei, allowing them to come close enough to fuse.

The fusion reactions that occur in the core of a red giant star are also different from those in a main sequence star. In addition to fusing hydrogen into helium, the core of a red giant star can also fuse helium into heavier elements such as carbon and oxygen. This process is known as the triple-alpha process and requires much higher temperatures and pressures than hydrogen fusion.

Overall, the fusion process in the core of a red giant star is much more intense and varied than in a main sequence star, leading to the production of a wide range of heavier elements.