Question

Briefly describe how the formation of the following elements occurs in stars. What type of star is needed for the formation of each group of elements?

a) Helium

b) Carbon

c) Oxygen, Neon, and Iron

d) Tin and Uranium

Answer 1

a.) In stars occurs a phenomenon called nuclear fusion, wich is an atomic reaction that fuels stars. This fusion occurs in their cores and, when this happens, it convert hydrogen into helium. The star needed to form Helium is a yellow star.

b.) In medium size (like our Sun) and massive stars (five times greater than Sun), when hydrogen becomes depleted, high mass stars can convert helium atoms into carbon and oxygen. The star needed to form Carbon is a red giant star.

c.) As I mencioned, in medium size and massive stars, when hydrogen becomes depleted, they can convert helium atoms into oxygen. The star needed to form Oxygen is a red giant star.

In massive stars, helium is converted into carbon and oxygen and fusion of them can form neon. The type of star needed to form Neon is a red giant star.

The iron is formed in stars after the silicon burning process and it corresponds to the ending of the star. To form iron, it most be a massive red supergiant star.

d.) To form heavy elements as Tin and Uranium, the fuel in the core have to be consumed and the gravity of the star collapses, forming a Supernova. Supernova is an explosion where the star's matter blows away into space, the concentration of neutrons is so great that leads to the formation of heavy elements. To form Tin and Uranium, the type of star needed is a supernova.