What is the hierarchical fusion sequence that massive stars undergo leading up to the creation of iron?

Answer

Hydrogen, helium, carbon, neon, oxygen, silicon

Massive stars maintain equilibrium through a series of sequential thermonuclear fusion reactions in their core, building up heavier elements in distinct layers, much like an onion structure. This process starts with the fusion of the lightest element, Hydrogen, into Helium. Once the initial fuel is depleted, the core contracts until temperatures and pressures are sufficient to ignite the next stage: Helium fuses into Carbon. This continues hierarchically, with each subsequent stage requiring more extreme conditions, progressing through Carbon, Neon, Oxygen, and finally Silicon fusion. The culmination of this sequence is the synthesis of iron ($^{56} ext{Fe}$), which marks the end of energy generation via fusion.

What is the hierarchical fusion sequence that massive stars undergo leading up to the creation of iron?

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