What final element forms in the core that causes the star to instantly lose its primary energy source?
Answer
Iron
The entire complex sequence of fusion stages occurring within the massive star serves to build up heavier elements in the core. This process terminates decisively when the core is composed entirely of iron. Iron is unique in this context because fusing it does not release energy; instead, fusion involving iron consumes energy. Once the iron core forms, the outward pressure generated by fusion ceases instantly, leading to catastrophic failure where gravity definitively overwhelms all resistance, initiating the core collapse.
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