Elements such as carbon, silicon and oxygen have been produced in stars and expelled as stars age in the interstellar medium. This is most likely due to these elements having cooled and condensed from aging stars to form dust grains, and carried out by a powerful winds.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Elements like carbon, silicon, and oxygen are indeed produced in the cores of stars through nuclear fusion processes. As stars age and evolve, particularly during their red giant phase or supernova explosions for massive stars, these elements are expelled into the interstellar medium, often condensing into dust grains. This expulsion is facilitated by stellar winds or the explosive force of the supernova, enriching the surrounding space with these heavier elements.

Elements Such as Carbon, Silicon and Oxygen Have Been Produced