Editing Quantum tunnelling (section)

==== Nuclear fusion ====
{{Main|Nuclear fusion}}

Quantum tunnelling is an essential phenomenon for nuclear fusion. The temperature in [[stellar core]]s is generally insufficient to allow atomic nuclei to overcome the [[Coulomb barrier]] and achieve [[thermonuclear fusion]]. Quantum tunnelling increases the probability of penetrating this barrier. Though this probability is still low, the extremely large number of nuclei in the core of a star is sufficient to sustain a steady fusion reaction.<ref name="Trixler2013">{{cite journal |last=Trixler |first=F. |date=2013 |title=Quantum tunnelling to the origin and evolution of life |journal=Current Organic Chemistry |volume=17 |pages=1758–1770 |doi=10.2174/13852728113179990083 |pmc=3768233 |pmid=24039543 |number=16}}</ref>