AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/astro-heavy-elements-supernovae

During some supernovae, how can nuclei grow heavier than iron?

Start playing free

  1. Ordinary core fusion releases energy
  2. They collect electrons from surrounding gas
  3. Nuclei capture neutrons that later become protons

🔒 The answer is for AhaBulb members. Members see the answer, why it's right and the official sources for every card of Stuff Every Astronomer Should Know, plus timed practice exams.

The first 50 cards of every test are free to play.

Play the free cards See membership

Like this card?
Play the game

References

  1. Astronomy 2e, 23.2 Evolution of Massive Stars: An Explosive Finish openstax.org/books/astronomy-2e/pages/23-2-evolution-of-massive-stars-an-explosive-finish Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. NASA Science, Where Does Gold Come From? science.nasa.gov/universe/stars/neutron-stars/magnetars/where-does-gold-come-from-nasa-data-has-clues Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Astronomy & SpaceWhere did elements heavier than primordial lithium mainly form?Astronomy & SpaceWhat explodes to make a Type Ia supernova, the standard candle for far galaxies?Astronomy & SpaceWhen a massive star's iron core collapses into a neutron star, about how big does it end up?

That's stuff everyone should know.