Nucleosynthesis
| Formula / Notation | Big Bang and stellar: ¹H + ¹H + ¹H + ¹H → ⁴He + 2e⁺ + 2νₑ (pp chain) |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Stellar nucleosynthesis, Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), r-process, s-process |
What is Nucleosynthesis?
The process by which heavier atomic nuclei are created from lighter nuclei by nuclear fusion. Stellar nucleosynthesis produces elements up to iron in stars; heavier elements form in supernovae. The Big Bang produced primarily hydrogen, helium, and lithium.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Stellar nucleosynthesis, Big Bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), r-process, s-process
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
The process by which heavier atomic nuclei are created from lighter nuclei by nuclear fusion. Stellar nucleosynthesis produces elements up to iron in stars; heavier elements form in supernovae. The Big Bang produced primarily hydrogen, helium, and lithium.
Understanding nucleosynthesis explains: the elemental abundances in the universe, the origin of all naturally occurring elements (every atom in our bodies was formed in a star), the cosmic abundance of hydrogen and helium (~75% and 23% of all baryonic matter), and provides constraints for cosmologic…
No direct laboratory safety concern for the concept. The nuclear reactions involved in nucleosynthesis occur only under stellar conditions (millions to billions of Kelvin) or in particle accelerators and nuclear reactors. Stars and supernovae represent extreme astrophysical hazards at astronomical d…
The formula or notation for Nucleosynthesis is: Big Bang and stellar: ¹H + ¹H + ¹H + ¹H → ⁴He + 2e⁺ + 2νₑ (pp chain)