Why is iron significant to understanding how a supernova occurs? A. Iron is the heaviest of all atomic nuclei, and thus no heavier elements can be made. B. Supernovae often leave behind neutron stars, which are made mostly of iron. C. The fusion of iron into uranium is the reaction that drives a supernova explosion. D. Iron cannot release energy either by fission or fusion.

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Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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**Question: Why is iron significant to understanding how a supernova occurs?**

- **A.** Iron is the heaviest of all atomic nuclei, and thus no heavier elements can be made.

- **B.** Supernovae often leave behind neutron stars, which are made mostly of iron.

- **C.** The fusion of iron into uranium is the reaction that drives a supernova explosion.

- **D.** Iron cannot release energy either by fission or fusion.

**Explanation:**

This question is focused on the role of iron in the process of a supernova. Iron plays a critical role because it is the most stable nucleus, and further fusion or fission does not release energy. In a supernova, once the core of a star is primarily iron, it cannot generate pressure through fusion reactions to counteract gravity, leading to the collapse of the star and a subsequent supernova explosion. Option D correctly highlights this aspect of iron's significance.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question: Why is iron significant to understanding how a supernova occurs?** - **A.** Iron is the heaviest of all atomic nuclei, and thus no heavier elements can be made. - **B.** Supernovae often leave behind neutron stars, which are made mostly of iron. - **C.** The fusion of iron into uranium is the reaction that drives a supernova explosion. - **D.** Iron cannot release energy either by fission or fusion. **Explanation:** This question is focused on the role of iron in the process of a supernova. Iron plays a critical role because it is the most stable nucleus, and further fusion or fission does not release energy. In a supernova, once the core of a star is primarily iron, it cannot generate pressure through fusion reactions to counteract gravity, leading to the collapse of the star and a subsequent supernova explosion. Option D correctly highlights this aspect of iron's significance.
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