A sequence of thermonuclear fusion processes inside massive stars can continue to transform the nuclei of elements such as carbon, oxygen, and so forth, into heavier nuclei AND also generate excess energy, up to a limit beyond which no further energy-producing reactions can occur. The element that is produced when this limit is reached is?

Question

Cummings

Chemistry

25 June, 14:35

A sequence of thermonuclear fusion processes inside massive stars can continue to transform the nuclei of elements such as carbon, oxygen, and so forth, into heavier nuclei AND also generate excess energy, up to a limit beyond which no further energy-producing reactions can occur. The element that is produced when this limit is reached is?

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Answers (1)

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Mira Dougherty · Answer 1

Iron is the element that is produced at the limit of the reaction.

Explanation:

In nuclear fusion 2 lighter nuclei are combined together into a single nucleus releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process.

Up to fusion of iron the reaction of fusion is exothermic but when iron atom pops out the reaction becomes endothermic and it requires very high amount of energy to fuse iron atoms which is not available thus marking an end to the fusion reaction.