Chemical elements are formed by fusion processes in stars, the nuclei of lighter elements fuse to form the nuclei of heavier elements, the process releases large amounts of energy.
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How are elements heavier than iron formed?
They are only formed in the final stages of the life of a big star because the process requires the input of energy, all the elements get distributed through space by the supernova explosion.
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How do we know that elements heavier than iron are only formed in supernovas?
Because the presence of the heavier elements in the Sun and inner planets is evidence that they were formed from debris scattered by a supernova.
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Where are elements as heavy as iron formed?
Inside stars as a result of nuclear fusion.
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What were the Sun and the rest of the Solar System formed form?
The debris of a supernova.
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What happens in the process of fusion?
Light nuclei fuse to form heavier nuclei and energy is released, for elements heavier than iron to be formed there must be an input of energy.
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What is the heaviest element formed by fusion in a main sequence star?
Iron.
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How are the chemical elements distributed through space?
By a supernova explosion.
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**LOOK UP DIAGRAMS OF THE FORMATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM**
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
How are elements heavier than iron formed?
Back
They are only formed in the final stages of the life of a big star because the process requires the input of energy, all the elements get distributed through space by the supernova explosion.
Card 3
Front
How do we know that elements heavier than iron are only formed in supernovas?
Back
Card 4
Front
Where are elements as heavy as iron formed?
Back
Card 5
Front
What were the Sun and the rest of the Solar System formed form?
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