Why Can a Star with a Mass Like Our Sun

question 12

Multiple Choice

Why can a star with a mass like our Sun not fuse (produce) further elements beyond carbon and oxygen?

• A) because there are no elements heavier than those two; they are the heaviest nuclei in nature
• B) because they just cannot get hot enough for the fusion of heavier nuclei
• C) because all such stars explode before they can make any other elements
• D) because all such elements become radioactive and their nuclei break apart rather quickly
• E) because the cores of such stars get too hot for further types of fusion to be able to happen

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Definitions:

Neighboring Neuron

A neuron that is located adjacent to another neuron, facilitating neural communication.

Split-Brain

A condition resulting from surgery that involves severing the corpus callosum to treat severe epilepsy, leading to separate consciousnesses in the two hemispheres of the brain.

Language Center

Refers to specific regions in the brain involved in language processing and production, such as Broca's and Wernicke's areas.

Hemisphere

Refers to one half of a spherical body, commonly used in reference to the brain or the Earth.