What process occurring during the supernova explosion creates elements heavier than iron, like uranium?

Answer

Rapid neutron capture (r-process)

The creation of elements within stars follows a general progression: lighter elements fuse into heavier ones, up to iron, within the star's core, releasing energy. However, synthesizing elements heavier than iron requires an extreme influx of energy and neutrons, which cannot be sustained by normal fusion processes. This is where the supernova explosion itself becomes critical. The immense energy released during the explosion, particularly in the high-energy environment, drives processes like the rapid neutron capture (r-process). This mechanism allows atomic nuclei to rapidly absorb many neutrons before they have time to decay, building up massive nuclei like gold, silver, and uranium. The creation of these elements heavier than iron is directly facilitated by the violent, energetic conditions inherent to the stellar explosion.

What process occurring during the supernova explosion creates elements heavier than iron, like uranium?

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