Why Are Elements with Even Numbers of Protons More Abundant

question 14

Multiple Choice

Why are elements with even numbers of protons more abundant, on average, than elements with odd numbers of protons?

• A)because elements are mainly made in fusion reactions with helium nuclei
• B)because elements are mainly made in fusion reactions with hydrogen nuclei
• C)because when elements split in a fission reaction, they prefer to split with all the protons paired
• D)There's no explanation; it's something of a mystery to be explained or it may be a coincidence.

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Definitions:

Accounting Profit

Revenue minus explicit cost.

Factors of Production

The resources used in the creation of goods and services, traditionally categorized into land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

Opportunity Cost

The real cost of an item: what you must give up in order to get it.

Explicit Cost

Direct, out-of-pocket payments for expenses incurred in business operations, such as wages, rent, and materials.