Question

If three helium nuclei combine to form a carbon nucleus, energy is liberated. Why can't helium nuclei combine on their own and minimise the energy?

Answer 1

When three helium nuclei combine to form a carbon nucleus, energy is liberated. This energy is greater than the that liberated when these nuclei combine on their own. Hence, formation of carbon nucleus leads to much more stability as compared to the combination of three helium nuclei.