During Its Life, a Massive Star Creates Heavier and Heavier

question 190

Multiple Choice

During its life, a massive star creates heavier and heavier elements in its core through thermonuclear fusion, leading up to silicon and iron. What is the fate of the iron that is created?

• A) The nuclei are split apart by neutron bombardment, creating lighter elements such as carbon, oxygen, and neon.
• B) The iron is locked up inside the star forever.
• C) The iron is destroyed by later thermonuclear fusion reactions in the core that create even heavier elements such as lead, gold, and uranium.
• D) The iron is torn apart by high-energy photons at the end of the star's life.

---

Definitions:

Operants

Operants refer to behaviors that are modified by their consequences, playing a crucial role in operant conditioning.

Reinforcers

Stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated, can be positive (adding something desirable) or negative (removing something undesirable).

Learning Sets

The capability to learn more efficiently and effectively based on the experiences gained from solving previous problems.

Insight Learning

A form of cognitive learning where problem-solving occurs through a sudden understanding or epiphany rather than by trial and error.