Stellar Nucleosynthesis

The creation of chemical elements by nuclear fusion reactions within stars.

  • the process in which heavier elements are formed through the nuclear fusion reaction in star’s cores (from Helium to Iron)

    • stellar nucleosynthesis stops at iron because there is not enough neutrons in their nuclei

Process

Requirements:

  1. Stellar Population: Population I Stars and Population II Stars (produces elements from Helium to Iron)

  2. Temperature

  3. Pressure

  4. Mass