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In principle, fusion can continue beyond Carbon and Oxygen. However, such
advanced burning in stars
- Requires higher and higher temperatures because of having to overcome
larger Coulomb barriers.
- Produces less and less energy as the masses increase.
- Cannot produce energy for fusion products beyond the Iron region (A~60)
because that is where the peak of the binding energy curve is located:
 |
| Curve of binding
energy. |
In these more advanced burnings the mechanism is more complex than simple
fusion. Typically the sequence involves the disintegration of nuclei by high
energy photons in the plasma (a process called photodisintegration) and
the subsequent recombination of these in a sequence of fusion reactions. This
entire process is called nuclear statistical equilbrium, and is
probably resposible for the production of elements from Neon (Ne) up the Iron
(Fe) in stars.
We will have more to say about advanced burning stages when we consider late
stellar evolution and the death of stars. |