What mechanism is the primary driver for creating the most neutron-rich elements during a core-collapse supernova?
Answer
The r-process (rapid neutron capture)
The creation of the heaviest elements requires an environment saturated with neutrons that can be quickly absorbed by existing nuclei. The environment found immediately following the core collapse of a massive star provides these conditions, driving the rapid neutron capture process, known as the r-process. This process involves bombarding iron-peak nuclei with a flood of free neutrons so fast that the nuclei capture many neutrons before they have time to undergo radioactive decay into more stable forms. This rapid absorption sequence is essential for building the most neutron-rich elements, unlike the slower s-process which may occur in less violent scenarios like AGB stars.
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