How Are Elements Heavier than Helium Formed?

-- Spoorthi | February 20, 2020

Artist Impression of star about to undergo supernova

Question:

If the first elements formed were Hydrogen and Helium,how did the other elements form?

-- Spoorthi

Answer:

Elements heavier than Helium are synthesized in a number of environments. For elements that are lighter than Iron, those elements are synthesized during various phases in the evolution of massive stars. For elements heavier than Iron, one needs quite a bit of energy input to form these heavy elements. Supernova explosions and neutron star mergers are believed to be places where these heavy elements are formed. Check out the MindTouch article on the origins of the elements in stars for further information.

-- Jeff Mangum

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