The Sequence of Thermonuclear Fusion Processes Inside Massive Stars Can

question 29

Multiple Choice

The sequence of thermonuclear fusion processes inside massive stars can transform elements such as carbon and oxygen into heavier elements and generate excess energy until iron has been produced.Why is it NOT possible for fusion reactions to release energy from iron nuclei?

• A) The electrostatic charge of iron nuclei is so great that other nuclei cannot approach closely enough to react with them.
• B) Iron has the largest nucleus of all elements, and fusing other nuclei with iron actually reduces the size of the nucleus.
• C) Iron is the heaviest naturally occurring element.
• D) The protons and neutrons in an iron nucleus are so tightly bound together that fusing other nuclei with iron absorbs energy rather than releasing it.

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Definitions:

IRR

Internal Rate of Return, a metric used in financial analysis to estimate the profitability of potential investments.

MIRR

Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR) is a financial measure that adjusts the traditional internal rate of return (IRR) to account for the cost of capital and reinvestment of cash flows.

Reinvestment Rate

The percentage rate at which future cash flows from an investment are assumed to be reinvested, affecting the calculation of metrics like Net Present Value (NPV).

NPV

Net Present Value; a calculation used to determine the current value of a series of future cash flows by discounting them at a specific rate.