How many helium atoms must undergo fusion at 100 million K in the helium flash?

Question

A.Two
B.Three
C.Four
D.Six
E.It varies with density

At that temperature, three form carbon, and a fourth with the carbon forms oxygen. This is the main source of carbon and oxygen in the universe.

So the question makes no sense to me. Two join to form unstable Be, a third added makes carbon, and a fourth makes Oxygen. THis occurs at 100M Kelvins. This process is the helium flash at 100Million K.

Temperatures that exceed 100M Kelvins, three form the Carbon directly, skipping the Be step. A fourth can make Oxygen.

c four

c four