Observations Show That Elements with Atomic Mass Numbers Divisible by 4

question 14

Multiple Choice

Observations show that elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 (such as oxygen-16, neon-20, and magnesium-24) tend to be more abundant in the universe than elements with atomic mass numbers in between. Why do we think this is the case?

• A) At the end of a high-mass star's life, it produces new elements through a series of helium capture reactions.
• B) The apparent pattern is thought to be a random coincidence.
• C) Elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 tend to be more stable than elements in between.
• D) This pattern in elemental abundances was apparently determined during the first few minutes after the Big Bang.

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