Consider the "dead end" element for cores of massive stars: why is that element the "dead end"?
A) It can only release energy by fusion.
B) It has the lowest mass per nuclear particle.
C) It has the highest nuclear mass.
D) It has the lowest nuclear mass.
E) It has the highest mass per nuclear particle. F) It can only release energy by fission.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Iron is the "dead end" element in the cores of massive stars because it has the lowest mass per nuclear particle, meaning it cannot release energy through fusion or fission, leading to a supernova when the core collapses.

Consider the "Dead End" Element for Cores of Massive Stars