Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Four hydrogen nuclei combine to form one helium nucleus, with release of about 26 MeV.
Step 2: Identify the process
Joining of light nuclei into a heavier, more tightly bound nucleus with release of energy is nuclear fusion. This is the source of the Sun's energy.
Step 3: Why the other options fail
Fission needs a heavy nucleus to split. Beta and gamma decay involve a single nucleus emitting a particle or a photon.
Final Answer:
The equation represents nuclear fusion.
\[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{fusion}} \]