If a star is able to stabilize after there is no more hydrogen in its core, then it is now fusing helium nuclei together in a reaction called
select one:
a. the cno cycle
b. the triple alpha process
c. photodissociation
d. the proton-proton chain

The correct answer is Option b.

Explanation:

Nuclear fusion reaction is defined as the reaction in which lighter nuclei combine together to form a single heavier nuclei.

Another name for helium nuclei is alpha particle.

For the given options:

This cycle is named as carbon-nitrogen-oxygen cycle. In this cycle, carbon absorbs a proton to form nitrogen which further absorbs a photon to form oxygen. Thus, helium particles are not getting fused in this process.

This process is a set of nuclear reaction in which 3 alpha or helium nuclei combine together to form carbon nucleus.

The equation representing the fusion process follows:

This is defined as the process in which a chemical compound is broken down by photons. Thus, helium particles are not getting fused in this process.

This process is a set of nuclear fusion reactions by which stars convert hydrogen nucleus to helium nucleus. The chemical reactions for this process are:

Here, fusion of protons takes place.

Hence, the correct answer is Option b.