In high mass stars, nuclear fusion occurs until the core is converted into iron.
ID: 1645601 • Letter: I
Question
In high mass stars, nuclear fusion occurs until the core is converted into iron. At this point the star explodes as a supernova. What sets off this explosion?
a. Iron is the most stable nuclei on the periodic table. Fusing it into a heavier element does not release energy. In fact, it takes extra energy to make a heavier element. When the core is iron it has no ability to hold up against the gravity trying to collapse the core. The core collapses at nearly the speed of light, down to a neutron star. The layers above the core follow it down and rebound off the core, causing a shock wave to move out through the star. The star explodes.Explanation / Answer
the choice is a) ,
a. Iron is the most stable nuclei on the periodic table. Fusing it into a heavier element does not release energy. In fact, it takes extra energy to make a heavier element. When the core is iron it has no ability to hold up against the gravity trying to collapse the core. The core collapses at nearly the speed of light, down to a neutron star. The layers above the core follow it down and rebound off the core, causing a shock wave to move out through the star. The star explodes.