Observations show that elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 (such as oxygen-16, neon-20, and magnesium-24) tend to be more abundant in the universe than elements with atomic mass numbers in between. Why do we think this is the case?
A. The apparent pattern is thought to be a random coincidence.
B. Elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 tend to be more stable than elements in between.
C. At the end of a high-mass star's life, it produces new elements through a series of helium capture reactions.
D. This pattern in elemental abundances was apparently determined during the first few minutes after the Big Bang.
Answer:C
Observations show that elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 (such as oxygen-16, neon-20, and magnesium-24) tend to be more abundant in the universe than elements with atomic mass numbers in between. Why do we think this is the case?
A. The apparent pattern is thought to be a random coincidence. B. Elements with atomic mass numbers divisible by 4 tend to be more stable than elements in between. C. At the end of a high-mass star's life, it produces new elements through a series of helium capture reactions. D. This pattern in elemental abundances was apparently determined during the first few minutes after the Big Bang.