Q2: STELLAR NUCLEOSYSNTHESIS

What is stellar nucleosynthesis?

• The process of forming planets in a stellar system

• The creation of new atomic nuclei in stars through nuclear fusion

• The breaking down of heavy elements into lighter elements

• The chemical reactions that occur on a planet’s surface

Which element is primarily fused in the cores of main-sequence stars?

• Helium

• Carbon

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen

What is the heaviest element that can be formed through stellar nucleosynthesis in the core of a massive star before a supernova?

• Gold

• Iron

• Uranium

• Nickel

What triggers the start of nucleosynthesis in a star?

• The collapse of a molecular cloud into a protostar

• The explosion of a nearby supernova

• The cooling of the star's outer layers

• The depletion of hydrogen in the star’s core

What is the primary process responsible for nucleosynthesis in the Sun?

• Triple-alpha process

• Carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle

• Proton-proton chain reaction

• Helium burning

Elements heavier than iron are primarily formed during supernova explosions.

• TRUE

• FALSE

The proton-proton chain reaction dominates in stars more massive than the Sun.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Answer explanation

The CNO cycle dominates in more massive stars.

Helium burning results in the production of carbon and oxygen nuclei.

• TRUE

• FALSE

The abundance of elements like gold and platinum is due to processes like neutron star mergers or supernovae.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Hydrogen fusion releases more energy than helium fusion.

• TRUE

• FALSE