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

question 196

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 answer 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).

---

Definitions:

Diminishing Marginal Utility

The principle that says additional units of a good or service provide less added satisfaction than previous units.

Risk-Averse

describes an individual or entity that prefers to minimize risk, choosing options that are deemed safer or involve less uncertainty.

Insurance Premiums

Payments made to an insurance company in exchange for coverage against specified risks over a period.

Demanders Of Insurance

Individuals or entities that seek to protect themselves against financial losses by buying insurance policies.