Question

Which of the following correctly lists the elements created in a low-mass star in sequential order?

A.
hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, silicon

B.
hydrogen, helium, silicon, iron

C.
hydrogen, helium, carbon, oxygen

D.
hydrogen, helium, oxygen, carbon

E.
hydrogen, helium, carbon, oxygen, silicon, iron

Answer 1

Answer: C. hydrogen, helium, carbon, oxygen

Explanation: Hydrogen and helium are created during the fusion process in the core of the star. As the star evolves, it begins to fuse helium into carbon and oxygen. When the core runs out of helium, it collapses and heats up, causing the outer layers of the star to expand and cool, forming a red giant. Eventually, the red giant will shed its outer layers and form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a small, hot core made mostly of carbon and oxygen.