Most of the elements beyond hydrogen and helium in the periodic table in the Sun and the solar system most probably originated in:
A) the center of our own Sun, through fusion and later ejection as solar wind.
B) chemical reactions in planetary atmospheres.
C) the original Big Bang of the universe.
D) fusion reactions in the centers of earlier stars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elements beyond hydrogen and helium in the periodic table are heavier elements like carbon, oxygen, iron, and gold. These elements were formed through fusion reactions in the centers of earlier stars. When those stars exploded as supernovae, these elements were scattered throughout the universe, eventually forming new stars and planets, including our own solar system. So, most of the elements beyond hydrogen and helium in the Sun and the solar system originated in earlier stars through fusion reactions.

Most of the Elements Beyond Hydrogen and Helium in the Periodic