Proton capture is a nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus and one or more protons collide and merge to form a heavier nucleus.
Therefore, it is more difficult for protons to enter the nucleus compared to neutrally charged neutrons.
Proton capture plays an important role in the cosmic nucleosynthesis of proton rich isotopes.
[1] In stars it can proceed in two ways: as a rapid (rp-process) or a slow process (p-process).
This nuclear physics or atomic physics–related article is a stub.