The spectrum of stars in an open cluster is found to contain spectral lines from many heavy elements; the stars are known as "metal-rich." What is the source of these heavy elements?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heavy elements in the stars of the open cluster are most likely derived from the interstellar medium, which had been enriched with heavy elements by previous generations of stars that had undergone nuclear fusion reactions. As new stars form from this enriched material, they inherit the heavy-element content, resulting in a metal-rich population.

The Spectrum of Stars in an Open Cluster Is Found