Which elements are specifically cited as primary products manufactured through the rapid neutron capture (r-process)?
Answer
Gold, platinum, and uranium
The rapid neutron capture process (r-process) operates under conditions of extremely high neutron density, typically found during the violent core-collapse supernova explosion or potentially in merging neutron stars. This environment facilitates the creation of the heaviest elements on the periodic table. Because neutrons are captured so quickly, the resulting nuclei become highly unstable and neutron-rich. They then undergo rapid sequences of beta decay until they reach a stable configuration. Elements such as gold, platinum, and uranium are believed to be predominantly forged through this violent, high-energy mechanism, distinguishing them from those made in slower processes.
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