Question

Light elements form in big bang -> nuclear fusion begins, stars are formed -> _________________ -> supernovas eject heavy elements which get incorporated into planets forming around new stars. Which of the following statements best fills in the blank for the life cycle of high mass stars?

Answer 1

The blank in the life cycle of high mass stars is filled by 'nucleosynthesis continues until the core is primarily iron, leading to a supernova explosion,' which is essential for the cosmic enrichment of heavy elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The life cycle of high mass stars is critical for understanding the enrichment of the universe with heavy elements. The statement that best fills in the blank for the life cycle of high mass stars is: nucleosynthesis continues until the core is primarily iron, leading to a supernova explosion. During the star's life, nuclear fusion creates heavier elements up to iron. When nuclear energy cannot be generated due to an iron-rich core, gravitational contraction leads to a temperature rise and ultimately a supernova. The explosion ejects these elements, enriching the interstellar medium and influencing subsequent star and planet formation.

Supernovae play a pivotal role in dispersing chemical elements into space and contributing to cosmic nucleosynthesis, impacting not only the composition of stars but also the materials that make up planets and, by extension, life itself. Thus, the blank in the provided life cycle is best described by the culmination of nucleosynthesis and the consequent supernova explosion.