Photodisintegration, the Fissioning of Iron Nuclei into Helium Nuclei by High-Energy

question 159

Multiple Choice

Photodisintegration, the fissioning of iron nuclei into helium nuclei by high-energy gamma radiation, occurs only at the very end of the life of a massive star. Why can photodisintegration not occur earlier? Choose the statement that is NOT correct.

• A) Iron nuclei do not exist in anything but trace amounts before this stage.
• B) Gamma radiation of sufficient energy is not produced before this stage.
• C) The fissioning of an iron nucleus requires energy, and the energy-rich environment that allows fissioning to happen does not exist before this stage.
• D) Under the conditions of the previous stages of evolution, iron (²⁶Fe) disappears as quickly as it is formed by combining with helium (⁴He) to produce zinc (³⁰Zn).

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