Which elements are primarily forged under the immense energies available only during a supernova explosion?
Answer
Heavy elements like gold, silver, and uranium.
While stars primarily generate lighter elements through nuclear fusion during their main lifespan, the creation of the heaviest elements requires far more extreme conditions. It is the immense energy release and neutron flux characteristic of the supernova explosion that provides the necessary environment to forge elements significantly heavier than iron, including precious metals like gold and silver, and radioactive elements such as uranium. These newly synthesized heavy elements are then scattered across the galaxy via the explosion, enriching the interstellar medium for future stellar and planetary formation.
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After A Supernova Event, What Is Left Behind? - Physics Frontier
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