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Because for a star to fuse elements heavy elements (iron and heavier) it would actually consume energy rather than liberate it. That doesn't work well to keep the star "alive." The explosion of the supernova itself can create these heavier elements because of the heat of the blast.
What else can I help you with?
Why are all elements heavier then iron created during a supernova?
The rapid collapse of the star compresses atoms together and may cause nuclear fusion and make heavier elements.
Can stars the size of the sun produce elements heavier than oxygen?
Yes, oxygen can be found in the spectral lines of many stars. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stars are nuclear fusion furnaces that take light elements (hydrogen) and build them up into heavier elements (eg carbon and oxygen). Thus older and second or third generation stars have this element in their makeup.
Why is iron the only element that can be produced in stars?
All elements (except hydrogen) are produced in stars through nuclear fusion (under tremendous heat, two hydrogen atoms fuse into one helium plus release pure energy). When the hydrogen is all fused, helium is fused into heavier elements at a higher temperature, then those are fused and so on until we get to iron. Iron is the element that will cause a star to collapse and then explode violently in a supernova. The explosion causes further fusion and creates still heavier elements.
Will a supernova cause a black whole?
Either a black hole, or a neutron star. That depends on how much mass is left after the supernova explosion.
What is formed in a supernova?
Depending on the mass of the original star, a supernova explosion may cause a neutron star (for medium to large stars) or a black hole (for large or very large stars). If the original star was rotating fairly rapidly, the neutron star may be a "pulsar", the name given to a rapidly spinning neutron star that emits pulses of X-rays. "Rapidly" spinning in this case is upwards of three revolutions per second.
What conditions of a Supernova cause elements that are heavier that iron to form?
The rapid collapse of the star compresses atoms together and may cause nuclear fusion and make heavier elements.
Why are all elements heavier then iron created during a supernova?
The rapid collapse of the star compresses atoms together and may cause nuclear fusion and make heavier elements.
How are elements formed from hydrogen?
Heavier elements are formed from hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, through a process called nuclear fusion. There are machines or structures in the universe that do this, and we call them stars. It is the process within stars, stellar nucleosynthesis, that allows heavier elements to be created up through iron. Elements heavier than iron are formed in supernova events. Use the links below to learn more.
Where are common elements made?
All elements past hydrogen are formed in stars. During the main stage of stars life, it fuses hydrogen into helium. Once it runs out of Helium to fuse, it begins fusing Helium into heavier elements. This continues until iron is formed. Iron gains no energy from fusion, so fusion stops. If the star is massive enough, it will explode in a supernova. The extreme heat can cause the iron to fuse into even heavier elements.
Can stars the size of the sun produce elements heavier than oxygen?
Yes, oxygen can be found in the spectral lines of many stars. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stars are nuclear fusion furnaces that take light elements (hydrogen) and build them up into heavier elements (eg carbon and oxygen). Thus older and second or third generation stars have this element in their makeup.
Why is iron the only element that can be produced in stars?
All elements (except hydrogen) are produced in stars through nuclear fusion (under tremendous heat, two hydrogen atoms fuse into one helium plus release pure energy). When the hydrogen is all fused, helium is fused into heavier elements at a higher temperature, then those are fused and so on until we get to iron. Iron is the element that will cause a star to collapse and then explode violently in a supernova. The explosion causes further fusion and creates still heavier elements.
What is stellar nucleosynthesis?
Supernova nucleosynthesis is the process where new elements heavier than iron are created through nuclear fusion when a star goes supernova. During the "normal" life of a star, it fuses hydrogen into helium, and also fuses lighter nuclei together to make heavier nuclei, at least up through iron. But after the star completes the fusion of much of its bulk into iron, it no longer continues to function as a fusion engine. The fusion processes up through those that produce iron are all exothermic, and this released energy sustains further fusion throughout the life of the star. Toward the end of its life, the star can no longer operate the "regular" way it was in normal stellar nucleosynthesis. Recall that fusion is releasing huge quantities of energy and trying to "blow up" the star, but massive gravity keeps everything together. These two forces, fusion and gravity, operate at equilibrium. After exhausting most of it fuel creating iron, gravity wins and the star collapses. This collapse adds to the star's energy, and the collapse will add tremendous quantities of heat to the stellar plasma. This heat will provide energy for the endothermic fusion reactions that create the trans-iron elements and the star will go supernova, if it is of sufficient mass. With all the extra heat provided by the collapse of a sufficiently massive star, the fusion engine will be jump started. The heat-consuming fusion reactions that create the trans-iron elements will have the energy they need to drive them, and the supernova will create lots of material with nuclei heavier than iron. Additionally, this material will be blown across the universe to fertilize other newly forming solar systems. Links are provided below for more information.
What is the magnitude of supernova?
a supernova is an stellar explosion extremely luminouse and cause a bright radiation. I recommend for you to understand the supernova the link provided in the related links box below.
Will a supernova cause a black whole?
Either a black hole, or a neutron star. That depends on how much mass is left after the supernova explosion.
What is formed in a supernova?
Depending on the mass of the original star, a supernova explosion may cause a neutron star (for medium to large stars) or a black hole (for large or very large stars). If the original star was rotating fairly rapidly, the neutron star may be a "pulsar", the name given to a rapidly spinning neutron star that emits pulses of X-rays. "Rapidly" spinning in this case is upwards of three revolutions per second.
An explosion of a star?
When a star explodes, it releases an immense amount of energy, creating a supernova. This explosion can outshine an entire galaxy for a short period of time. Supernovae are crucial for the formation of heavy elements and can also cause the star to collapse and form a black hole or neutron star.
What damages can a supernova cause?
A supernova can release massive amounts of energy and radiation, potentially damaging any nearby planets or celestial bodies. The intense radiation from a supernova can strip away a planet's atmosphere and cause disruption to its magnetic field. The shockwave from a nearby supernova could also trigger star formation or disrupt existing planetary systems.
