Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

In a massive dying star that form red supergiants, elements higher in atomic number than Hydrogen & Helium also starts fusion due to crushing pressure of the star's own gravitation & form elements of higher atomic number & it continues recursively. Which is the element that is formed last with the maximum atomic number this way & heavier atoms beyoond this are formed in trace amounts only?

  1. Iron

  2. Prometheum

  3. Barium

  4. Krypton
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A Correct answer
Explanation

In massive red supergiants, stellar nucleosynthesis progresses through successive fusion stages: hydrogen to helium, then to carbon, oxygen, neon, silicon, and finally iron. Iron (Fe-56) has the highest nuclear binding energy per nucleon, making fusion beyond iron endothermic rather than exothermic. Heavier elements are primarily formed during supernovae, not during the star's stable fusion phase.

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