Why does the synthesis of elements stop at iron?

1.	Why does the synthesis of elements stop at iron?
Answer» Fusing iron does not produce energy; it takesenergy. That is, the fusion of iron (and ANYTHING heavier) is endothermic. So a STAR starts out as (MOSTLY) hydrogen. It contracts under its own WEIGHT until the hydrogen starts fusing into helium, BALANCING the contraction and stopping it from collapsing. When the hydrogen runs out, it fuses helium, producing more energy to stop it from collapsing. Then carbon, and so on up the periodic table. hope helped..

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