What is the result of advanced burning stages in stars above $8 M_{\odot}$ that leads to catastrophic core collapse?

Answer

An iron core

Stars born significantly above approximately eight solar masses are capable of achieving the extreme core temperatures and densities required to fuse elements heavier than carbon and oxygen sequentially within their cores. Following helium burning, these massive stars undergo a series of advanced burning stages, including carbon, neon, oxygen, and finally silicon fusion. This thermonuclear cascade builds up layers of progressively heavier elements around the central region. The entire sequence terminates abruptly when the core is converted entirely into iron. Iron is unique because its fusion does not release energy; instead, fusing iron consumes energy. Once the iron core forms, it can no longer generate the thermal pressure needed to counteract gravity. Since the energy production stops instantaneously, hydrostatic equilibrium fails catastrophically, leading to an immediate and rapid gravitational collapse.

$What is the result of advanced burning stages in stars above $8 M_{\odot}$ that leads to catastrophic core collapse?$

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