Iron Fusion in Stars: Uncovering the Mysteries of Heavy Elements on Earth

In summary, heavier elements found on Earth, such as plutonium, are a result of energetic cosmological events, such as a supernova. These elements have a relatively short half-life, but can still exist on Earth in small quantities due to statistical probability. The majority of plutonium used in nuclear industries is bred by bombarding uranium with slow neutrons.
  • #1
Atload
[SOLVED] Iron Fusion In Stars

If iron is said to be the last stage of fusion in stars, how is it that heavier elements are found on earth, where there seems to be less likely a chance for such fusion to occur? Where do these elements come from? Moreover, the half-life of a heavy element on the order of plutonium is only 24,000 years--how did such an element wind up on Earth in quantities that can be excavated? How is it that these elements were created?
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by Atload
If iron is said to be the last stage of fusion in stars, how is it that heavier elements are found on earth, where there seems to be less likely a chance for such fusion to occur? Where do these elements come from? Moreover, the half-life of a heavy element on the order of plutonium is only 24,000 years--how did such an element wind up on Earth in quantities that can be excavated? How is it that these elements were created?
http://aether.lbl.gov/www/tour/elements/stellar/stellar_a.html

And:

http://photon.phys.clemson.edu/wwwpages/StarLife.html
 
  • #3
Originally posted by Atload
Moreover, the half-life of a heavy element on the order of plutonium is only 24,000 years--how did such an element wind up on Earth in quantities that can be excavated?

It doesn't. All the plutonium used in today's nuclear industries is bred by bombarding uranium with slow neutrons.
 
  • #4
Naturally occurring elements heavier then Iron are a result of a star going Nova or other such energetic cosomologic events. The energies present in such an event create the heavier elements.
 
  • #5
how did such an element wind up on Earth in quantities that can be excavated?
The half life is a measure of the exponential decay of these elements. It is a record of how often they randomly decay, a matter of statistical probability than absolute. In two half lives, you have a quarter of the atoms still around. So, the element can last for a very long time with a relatively short half-life. Just significantly smaller numbers than originally.
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Integral
Naturally occurring elements heavier then Iron are a result of a star going Nova or other such energetic cosomologic events. The energies present in such an event create the heavier elements.

supernova...not nova
(different phenomena, but similar names)
 

1. What is iron fusion in stars?

Iron fusion in stars is the process by which atoms of iron combine to form heavier elements in the core of a star. This process occurs when a star has exhausted its supply of hydrogen and helium, and the core becomes hot enough to fuse together iron atoms.

2. How does iron fusion contribute to the creation of heavy elements on Earth?

Iron fusion is responsible for the creation of most of the heavy elements found on Earth. When a star undergoes iron fusion, it releases energy and produces elements like nickel, cobalt, and copper. These elements are then scattered into space when the star explodes as a supernova, eventually becoming part of the building blocks for planets like Earth.

3. What are some of the mysteries surrounding iron fusion in stars?

One of the main mysteries surrounding iron fusion is why it is the final stage of fusion in a star's life. Iron fusion does not produce enough energy to sustain a star, causing it to die in a supernova. Scientists are also still trying to understand how elements heavier than iron are formed in the universe.

4. How do scientists study iron fusion in stars?

Scientists study iron fusion in stars through a combination of observational data and theoretical models. They use telescopes to observe the light and radiation emitted by stars and analyze the elements present in their spectra. They also use computer simulations and experiments to better understand the complex processes involved in iron fusion.

5. Why is understanding iron fusion important?

Understanding iron fusion is crucial for understanding the origins of heavy elements in the universe and the formation of planets like Earth. It also has practical applications, such as helping scientists develop more accurate models for predicting the lifespan of stars and the elements they produce, and potentially even unlocking new sources of energy through fusion reactions.

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