Where did the elements heavier than hydrogen and helium come from?
A) They were produced in the Big Bang.
B) They evolved from hydrogen and helium shortly after the Big Bang.
C) They were produced inside stars.
D) They were produced inside dense interstellar gas.
E) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elements heavier than hydrogen and helium were produced inside stars through the process of fusion. This includes elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, and beyond.

Option A is incorrect as the Big Bang produced only hydrogen, helium, and a small amount of lithium.

Option B is also incorrect as the heavier elements were not created immediately after the Big Bang, but rather required the process of stellar evolution.

Option D is incorrect as dense interstellar gas can lead to the formation of new stars, but it does not contribute significantly to the production of higher-mass elements.

Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Where Did the Elements Heavier Than Hydrogen and Helium Come