After the Big Bang, 100% of all matter in existence was the element hydrogen. Where did all of the heavier elements come from?

Question

A.
The fission of stars split existing elements to produce smaller elements
B.
The fission of stars combined elements together to make larger elements
C.
The fusion of stars combined elements together to make larger elements
D.
The fusion of stars split existing elements to produce smaller elements

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

C. The fusion of stars combined elements together to make larger elements.

In the cores of stars, hydrogen atoms fuse together under extreme pressure and temperature to form helium and other heavier elements through nuclear fusion processes. As stars evolve and undergo various fusion reactions, they can produce increasingly heavier elements up to iron. When certain massive stars reach the end of their life cycles, they can explode in supernovae, dispersing these heavier elements into space, where they may eventually contribute to the formation of new stars and planets.