Where did the different chemical elements come from?

<p>When hydrogen in the core of a star is exhausted, the star begins to contract and heat up as a result. If the star&rsquo;s mass is insufficient, it will simply shed its outer layers of material, leaving only a core consisting of helium (a helium white dwarf). Still, if the star&rsquo;s mass is large enough, the next cycle of nuclear reactions will begin, in which helium is converted into carbon and oxygen.</p> <p>When helium is exhausted, the compression will repeat, and depending on its mass, the star will either shed its outer layers of material, leaving a white dwarf, or carbon and oxygen will begin to burn. Successively heavier elements may ignite until&hellip;</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/@deep.space/where-did-the-different-chemical-elements-come-from-a9d8613bd60c"><strong>Click Here</strong></a></p>