How do stars create elements heavier than iron?
1 Answer
Dec 1, 2016
Stars create elements heavier than Iron by neutron capture in their final stages.
Explanation:
Elements heavier than Iron can't be created by fusion reactions as it requires energy to fuse the nuclei rather than releasing energy.
In the final stages of a large star vast quantities of neutrons are produced. These neutrons are captured by lighter elements to produce heavier elements. Neutron capture is the process in supernovae which produce the elements heavier than Iron.
