Why does the formation of iron in a massive star core lead to a supernova?
Answer
Fusing iron consumes energy instead of releasing it.
In massive stars, elements are fused sequentially as the core collapses. Once iron is created, the fusion process shifts from energy-producing to energy-consuming. Because the star no longer generates the outward pressure needed to fight against gravity, the core collapses instantly. This collapse triggers a rebound of the outer layers, resulting in a violent supernova explosion.
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