Star Nucleosynthesis

Star Nucleosynthesis

by Emma Lythgoe

Multiple Choice

What is the most common element in the universe? (Hint: Big Bang)

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Lithium

• Neon

Multiple Choice

The heat generated through nuclear fusion in a star’s core exerts an outward force on the material around it. This would cause the star to expand, but it is balanced by another force acting upon the material in the star, which keeps it stable. What is the other force acting on the matter in the star?

• Gravity 

• Electrostatic attraction

• Pressure

• Electrostatic repulsion

Multiple Choice

What process is the source of energy in main sequence stars?

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear fusion 

• Oxidation

Multiple Choice

Which element do main sequence stars primarily use for nuclear fusion?

• Oxygen

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Iron

​Study these images for a minute to understand which element fuses into which element. 

Multiple Choice

Once the hydrogen in the core of a star runs out, what element does the star begin to fuse next?

• Carbon

• Boron

• Helium

• Lithium

Multiple Choice

Nuclear fusion only happens in the _______ of a star, where the _____ and ______ are high enough to allow nuclear fusion to occur.

• core

  temperature pressure

• outer layers

  pressure

  viscosity 

• outer layers 

  temperature

  pressure

• core

  temperature

  viscosity

​Nuclear fusion only happens in the CORE!

​Nuclear fusion takes place only at extremely high temperatures. That's because a great deal of energy is needed to overcome the force of repulsion between the positively charged nuclei. ... In the core, temperatures reach millions of degrees Kelvin.

​Study these images for a minute to understand which element fuses into which element. 

Multiple Choice

Once the hydrogen and the helium in the core of a star runs out, what element does the star begin to fuse next?

• Lithium 

• Carbon

• Iron

• Beryllium

Multiple Choice

Which two of the following elements are not formed in a main sequence star?

Carbon

Plutonium

Iron

Oxygen

Francium

• Carbon & Iron

• Oxygen & Plutonium

• Francium & Plutonium

• Plutonium & Iron

Multiple Choice

Which of the following elements can only be formed in a supernova?

• Helium 

• Uranium 

• Iron 

• Carbon