What elements are formed during a nova or supernova?

Answer 1

It is the elements heavier than iron that are formed in a supernova. All the heavier elements up through uranium appear when a star of sufficient mass collapses in a supernova event. These heavier elements, sometimes referred to as the trans-iron elements, appear in the collapse of a massive star. In this catastrophic event, the iron and silicon (and any other lighter elements) in the star are super compressed. The already hot conditions are made even hotter, and the available energy is sufficient to drive the fusion reactions that create the trans-iron elements.

All the fusion reactions up through those that create iron are exothermic, and that means they release energy. The fusion reactions that create the trans-iron elements are endothermic, and that means energy has to be put into them. Only in the collapse of a star of sufficient mass is there enough energy to drive the fusion reactions that produce the trans-iron elements.

See Periodic Table (iron is number 26).

See related link.

Answer 2

During a nova, elements up to iron are formed through nuclear fusion of lighter elements in the outer layers of the star. In a supernova, elements heavier than iron are formed through rapid neutron capture processes, such as the r-process and s-process, occurring during the explosion. This leads to the creation of elements like gold, platinum, and uranium.

Answer 3

Depending on the original mass of the star, either a neutron star or a black hole.

Answer 4

It depends on the type of supernova. A supernova 1a would be mostly hydrogen, where as a type II supernova would have little hydrogen and alot of the other gases.

Answer 5

A Supernova forms other metals that are heavier than iron such as gold,platinum,silver etc.....