exchemist
Valued Senior Member
Ah that's more like it. The second and third are off-target but the first looks as if it what I want to know. I'll follow that one up. Thanks again.Sometime there are footnoted sources and sometimes not. Just for fun I asked for it this time and rather than footnoted statements it just gave the following.
Certainly! Here are some sources that provide further insights into why heavier elements radiate more efficiently than hydrogen:
- Physics Stack Exchange:
- In this discussion, experts explain why elements heavier than helium (collectively termed “metals” in astrophysics) are more opaque and radiate more efficiently.
- The complexity of electron orbital structures and available transitions in heavier elements contributes to their enhanced radiative cooling.
- Read more1.
- ScienceAlert:
- This article discusses how ancient stars forged elements heavier than anything found in nature.
- It highlights the role of fusion processes in creating heavier elements, including iron.
- Read more2.
In summary, these sources provide valuable information about the radiative properties of heavier elements and their impact on stellar evolution.
- National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO):
- The NRAO explains how elements heavier than helium are formed.
- Supernova explosions and neutron star mergers are key processes for creating heavy elements.
- Read more3.