In massive stars, what is the role of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen during hydrogen fusion?
Answer
They act as catalysts in the CNO cycle.
In more massive stars where temperatures are higher, the Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen (CNO) cycle is the dominant method, utilizing these elements as catalysts to convert hydrogen into helium much faster than the standard proton-proton chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process stars use to build new, heavier elements called?What is the fundamental fuel driving fusion during a star's main sequence life?In massive stars, what is the role of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen during hydrogen fusion?What is the approximate core temperature required for helium fusion, known as helium ignition, to begin?What specific reaction fuses three helium nuclei into a carbon nucleus ($ ext{C}^{12}$)?Why does energy-generating fusion cease when a stellar core becomes predominantly iron ($ ext{Fe}$)?What mechanism is necessary to create elements heavier than iron, like gold or uranium?In evolved Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars, what is the heaviest element primarily produced via the slow neutron capture (s-process)?What environments provide the extreme neutron density required for the rapid neutron capture (r-process) to create the heaviest elements?How do intermediate-mass stars primarily distribute elements like carbon and oxygen into space at the end of their lives?