Question

How are the heavier and more complex elements made?


Choose the best answer from the options below:
A They are made two at a time from the fusion of hydrogen, helium, atoms, etc
B They are made one at a time from the fusion of hydrogen and helium
C They are made one at a time from the fusion of atoms of hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements
D They are made two at a time from the fusion of hydrogen and helium
E They are made three at a time from the fusion of hydrogen, helium, atoms, etc

Answer 1

C

Heavier elements are built up in stars by successive nuclear fusion and capture reactions — lighter nuclei (H, He, then increasingly heavier nuclei) fuse or are captured one by one to form heavier elements (with special processes like the triple‑alpha sequence and supernova r‑process producing the heaviest elements).