What specific process is responsible for synthesizing elements significantly heavier than iron, such as gold and uranium, during a supernova explosion?
Answer
The r-process (rapid neutron capture).
The extreme, short-lived environment created by the core collapse and rebound generates an intense flood of neutrons, enabling the rapid neutron capture process (r-process). This allows nuclei to capture neutrons faster than they can decay, building up the heaviest elements.
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