(Continuing the previous post) The nuclear fusion reaction involving the lighter elements are more energy efficient and thus can sustain a star for hundreds of million years. As the lighter elements get converted into heavier elements, the nuclear fusion reactions become less energy efficient and last for only a few thousand years.
(Continuing the previous post) These exotic nuclear reactions produce the rarer elements. However this stage lasts only a short time. Finally when all the fuel has run out, the star collapses in on itself by the force of gravity. In medium sized stars, the star will then go supernova and in the process create some of the even more rare elements. After the star is blown to bits, these materials are scattered into dust clouds and eventually coalesce into another star or planets.
The abundance of common elements such as carbon, oxygen and iron versus the rarer elements such as gold and silver has to do with the nuclear reactions inside a star during its lifetime. Over its long normal life, hydrogen and helium are continuously converted to carbon, oxygen and iron to produce energy through nuclear fusion. Towards the end of its life as a star desperately tries to find new fuel to keep shining, more exotic nuclear reactions occur.
(Continuing the previous post) The nuclear fusion reaction involving the lighter elements are more energy efficient and thus can sustain a star for hundreds of million years. As the lighter elements get converted into heavier elements, the nuclear fusion reactions become less energy efficient and last for only a few thousand years.
WarrenChu000 6 months ago
(Continuing the previous post) These exotic nuclear reactions produce the rarer elements. However this stage lasts only a short time. Finally when all the fuel has run out, the star collapses in on itself by the force of gravity. In medium sized stars, the star will then go supernova and in the process create some of the even more rare elements. After the star is blown to bits, these materials are scattered into dust clouds and eventually coalesce into another star or planets.
WarrenChu000 6 months ago
The abundance of common elements such as carbon, oxygen and iron versus the rarer elements such as gold and silver has to do with the nuclear reactions inside a star during its lifetime. Over its long normal life, hydrogen and helium are continuously converted to carbon, oxygen and iron to produce energy through nuclear fusion. Towards the end of its life as a star desperately tries to find new fuel to keep shining, more exotic nuclear reactions occur.
WarrenChu000 6 months ago
what are these scenes from??
wookieproductions 3 years ago
Another great one. Thanks!
xelalaw 4 years ago