Which element's nucleus has the greatest stability, halting fusion energy generation in the core?
Answer
Iron ($ ext{Fe}$), specifically iron-56 ($^{56} ext{Fe}$)
The relentless march toward heavier elements stops abruptly at iron-56 ($^{56} ext{Fe}$) because this isotope has the most stable nucleus in the universe; fusing iron consumes energy rather than releasing it.
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High Mass Stars: Crash Course Astronomy #31 - YouTube
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