Question

nucleosynthesis in stars (due midnight 10/27)

• elements created during the big bang: hydrogen and a little helium were formed in the first few minutes after the big bang. this process is called \big bang nucleosynthesis\.
• elements created through nucleosynthesis in stars: on the periodic table, the elements helium all the way up to iron are formed in the cores of stars as they undergo nuclear fusion. as stars age they produce heavier and heavier elements.this process is called \stellar nucleosynthesis\. remember, the word \stellar\ refers to stars, so these elements are formed in the core of stars as they go through the process of nuclear fusion.
• elements created in supernova explosions: all elements heavier than iron (26) all the way up to plutonium (94) are produced in the extreme conditions of supernova explosions as massive stars die. this process is called \supernova nucleosynthesis\

which element marks the end of nuclear fusion in a stars core?
○ si, silicon
○ c, carbon
○ o, oxygen
○ he, helium
○ h, hydrogen
● fe, iron

Explanation:

The text clearly states that elements from Helium up to Iron are formed in stars' cores via nuclear fusion. It also mentions that elements heavier than Iron (like those up to Plutonium) are created in supernova explosions, not in the star's core through normal nuclear fusion. This indicates that Iron marks the end of nuclear fusion in a star's core.

Answer:

Fe, Iron