When are elements heavier than iron formed by stars?
in young stars
as a star is first formed
as a dying star explodes
in small, old stars
Elements heavier than iron are formed in two main scenarios:
1. As a dying star explodes: During a supernova explosion, the extreme temperatures and pressures cause nucleosynthesis reactions that result in the formation of elements heavier than iron. These explosions occur in massive stars that have reached the end of their life cycles.
2. In young stars: Young stars that have not yet gone through the entire life cycle can also produce heavy elements through the process of stellar nucleosynthesis. These elements are formed through various fusion reactions that occur in the stellar core, leading to the synthesis of heavier elements.
So, elements heavier than iron are primarily formed during the explosions of dying stars (supernova explosions) but can also be produced in the cores of young stars during their regular fusion processes.