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
A) lead.
B) oxygen.
C) uranium.
D) iron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The limit at which no further energy-producing reactions can occur is when the fusion process reaches the production of iron. This is because iron has the highest binding energy per nucleon, meaning that it takes more energy to fuse an iron nucleus than it releases, making it energetically unfavorable to continue fusion beyond this point. Therefore, the answer is D) iron.

A Sequence of Thermonuclear Fusion Processes Inside Massive Stars Can