First stars made the smallest elements, from hydrogen up and progressively larger stars made progressively larger elements
1st generation stars, also known as Population III stars, formed shortly after the Big Bang and consisted mainly of hydrogen and helium. They are believed to have been massive and short-lived. 2nd generation stars, or Population II stars, formed from the remnants of 1st generation stars and contain heavier elements produced in their cores. They are typically older and less massive than 1st generation stars.
The first neutron stars likely formed some time in the first 600 million years after the Big Bang when large stars of the first or second generation died.
First generation stars are believed to have formed shortly after the Big Bang, making them extremely old and therefore difficult to observe. Additionally, these stars are thought to have been massive and short-lived, likely turning into black holes or exploding as supernovae before leaving behind any detectable remnants.
The first generation of stars is believed to have formed from pristine gas with fewer heavy elements compared to stars today, affecting their composition and behavior. Additionally, the first stars likely formed in different environments with higher densities and temperatures, influencing their size, mass, and lifespan. These differences may have led to the unique characteristics of the first generation stars compared to those born in the present universe.
All elements heavier than iron which are found on earth were created when these stars went exploded as novae.
Our Sun is a population I star, that does not mean it is first generation - that title is held by population III stars. Our Sun is a 3rd (maybe 4th) generation star. See related question.
The first stars formed in clouds of predominantly hydrogen and helium gas. These clouds were massive and dense, collapsing under their own gravity to ignite nuclear fusion in their cores, marking the birth of the first generation of stars in the universe.
A first generation solar system would have contained mostly hydrogen and very little if any of the heavier elements. Second generation solar systems, made from the exploded remnants of first generation stars, would have a higher proportion of heavy elements and thus have more rocky planets and stars that could use energy sources other than hydrogen fusion after their hydrogen was exhausted.
The composition of the Sun, with heavy elements like carbon and oxygen, indicates that it formed from the remnants of previous generations of stars that had already undergone fusion. This is in contrast to first generation stars, which would have had only hydrogen and helium. Additionally, studies of other second-generation stars in the Milky Way provide further evidence for the Sun being part of this later stellar generation.
The oldest stars in the universe are typically red or orange in color, indicating that they are cooler in temperature. These stars are often referred to as red dwarfs and are among the first generation of stars formed in the universe.
2nd generation, yes. first, no
What happens to a stars nuclear energy generation change if the core decreases in temperature?