Because the Earth contains elements heavier than iron, we know that the solar nebula wasenriched due to:
A)a Type II supernova.
B)a Type I supernova.
C)a nova.
D)a planetary nebula.
E)the destruction of another planet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elements heavier than iron can only be formed through the fusion reactions of a Type II supernova explosion. This explosion releases these heavy elements into space, which can then be incorporated into subsequent generations of stars and planets. Type II supernovae are the only known astronomical events capable of producing elements heavier than iron through the process of nucleosynthesis. These heavy elements were then dispersed into the surrounding interstellar medium, eventually becoming part of the solar nebula that formed our Solar System.

Because the Earth Contains Elements Heavier Than Iron, We Know