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A Supernova explosion will seed the surrounding space with all of the elements created by nuclear fusion in the various layers of the star that preceded the explosion. Nuclear fusion produces less and less energy the heavier the elements used. Once a supergiant star develops a core of Iron and Nickel 56 there is little or no energy being produced by fusion and the star collapses under its own gravitational force causing extreme heat and pressure and then a rebound explosion. This happens in seconds or less. Other products of this supernova are radiation and sub-atomic particles. The heaviest elements produced (Iron and Nickel) accrue neutrons thereby increasing their atomic weight and number and producing heavier and heavier elements. The heavier an element (or metal), the more rare it is. Neutron acquisition can be be either rapid (R-process) or slow (S-process).

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Eloise Upton

Lvl 13
3y ago

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