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> The resulting supernovae, however, yield high-speed neutrons that are captured by nuclei to create elements heavier than iron. Current theoretical physics in
by ryan_j_naughton 5y ago
> The resulting supernovae, however, yield high-speed neutrons that are captured by nuclei to create elements heavier than iron.
Current theoretical physics indicates that actually half of the elements heavier than iron are created not by supernovae but instead by binary neutron start collisions. These are R-Process elements. [1]
Thus, the article is incorrectly attributing elements heavier than iron to generally be from supernovae when most the elements by mass heavier than iron are from neutron stars ripping each other apart and causing a rapid decay of these hadrons into the stable heavy elements.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-process https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-process
- phkahler 5y agoWhat about fusion with hydrogen? Iron + hydrogen.
- DrBazza 5y agoNot impossible, just very uncommon as it is not energetically favourable. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion#/media/File:Binding_energy_curve_-_common_isotopes.svg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fusion#/media/File:Bin...
- coderintherye 5y agoRelated explanation: https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/7131/what-is-the-origin-of-elements-heavier-than-iron https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/7131/what-is-the...
- willis936 5y agoAnd a related PBS Space Time: https://youtu.be/MmgMboWunkI https://youtu.be/MmgMboWunkI The theory was mentioned in passing towards the end of a video before LIGO's neutron merger observation: https://youtu.be/6yLGeviU8FM https://youtu.be/6yLGeviU8FM
- omgJustTest 5y ago1. The article is about low atomic numbers 2. The r process creates the super heavy elements in greater importance as the atomic number increases. 3. Fusion confinement is hard to achieve even with small nuclei, so if true the earth fusion reactor would be extraordinary. I would be interested to see experiments and more data (as the article calls for) TLDR: article is not principally about high atomic number elements and you might be splitting hairs over the areas it is not principally about. The article proposes new physics, which needs more evidence.
- deleted 5y ago[deleted]