The red supergiant, Betelgeuse (yes…pronounced “Beetle Juice”) is the 2nd brightest star in the constellation Orion. Due to its size and gravity, it is responsible for creating some of the heavier metals in the universe. What is a heavier element likely created by Betelgeuse?

Question

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1 point
Hydrogen (H)
Silicon (Si)
Helium (He)
Lithium (Li)
10. The Crab Nebula is actuall

Answer 1

Betelgeuse, as a red supergiant star, is capable of creating heavier elements through the process of nuclear fusion during its lifecycle. Among the options listed, Silicon (Si) is a heavier element that could be created by Betelgeuse.

Hydrogen, helium, and lithium are lighter elements that are primarily formed during the Big Bang nucleosynthesis or in smaller stars, not typically in the core of a red supergiant like Betelgeuse.

So, the correct answer is: Silicon (Si).