STELLAR

NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
FORMATION OF HEAVIER ELEMENTS
DURING STAR FORMATION AND
EVOLUTION

Andres Clemente Jr. National High School Prepared by: JUDE B. LLACER, SST-1
❑𝑁𝐸𝐵𝑈𝐿𝐴
❑𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑁𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑠𝑦𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠
Is a process by which elements are formed
within the stars as a result of nuclear fusion.

❑𝑁𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐹𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
The process by which multiple nuclei join
together to form a heavier nucleus
Stellar NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
❑Since Stars are composed primarily of
Hydrogen, the first fusion process occurs at
the hydrogen core of the stars such as the
Sun with the temperature of at least 15
million Kelvin.
Main branch proton proton chain
Main branch proton proton chain
This Nuclear Fusion release tremendous amount
of light, heat and radioactive energy represented
by 𝛾(gamma rays)
1. Triple Alpha Process
1. Triple Alpha Process
1. Triple Alpha Process
2. Carbon Fusion Cycle or CNO Cycle
How did the elements heavier than Iron
formed?
Stars keep growing as it accumulate mass up to the point where the
stars are unable to generate energy to push against gravity thus causing
it to collapse itself then undergo into a planetary nebula for a medium
size stars like our sun and Supernova for massive stars
Supernova releases tremendous amount of energy enough to
synthesize elements heavier than Iron