What is the final productive fusion stage before the iron core develops?
Answer
Silicon fusion
The process of thermonuclear fusion within the core of a massive star proceeds sequentially, building up heavier elements. Hydrogen fuses to helium, then helium fuses further, creating progressively heavier elements up the periodic table. This chain continues until the star begins fusing silicon. Silicon fusion is identified as the absolute final stage where energy generation is productive, meaning it releases energy to sustain the star against gravitational collapse. The product of this silicon fusion is iron, which marks the point where the star's energy generation effectively ends because fusing iron consumes energy rather than releasing it.
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