Observations show that elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 (such as oxygen-16, neon-20, and magnesium-24) tend to be more abundant in the universe than elements with atomic mass numbers in between. Why do we think this is the case?
A) At the end of a high-mass star's life, it produces new elements through a series of helium capture reactions.
B) The apparent pattern is thought to be a random coincidence.
C) Elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 tend to be more stable than elements in between.
D) This pattern in elemental abundances was apparently determined during the first few minutes after the Big Bang.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the end of a high-mass star's life, it produces new elements through a series of helium capture reactions, which often result in elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4.

Observations Show That Elements with Atomic Mass Numbers Divisible by 4