Did the Big Bang theory create Hydrogen, Helium, and some Lithium atoms, and then those elements formed stars? Where did the rest of the elements (besides the man made ones) come from? Was it chemical reactions within the stars?

Question

Did the Big Bang theory create Hydrogen, Helium, and some Lithium atoms, and then those elements formed stars? Where did the rest of the elements (besides the man made ones) come from? Was it chemical reactions within the stars?

In: 3

Answer 1

Yes, hydrogen, helium, and a small amount of lithium were formed in the aftermath of the Big Bang – around 5-10 minutes after the beginning.

All other elements in the Universe were formed in stars. However, they weren’t formed by *chemical* reactions (which cannot change one element into another). They were formed by *nuclear* reactions. The light elements are produced directly via fusion in stars, and the heavier elements are produced by one of a few processes that occur in the core of very large stars (or in the process of that core collapsing).

Answer 2

Yes, hydrogen, helium, and a small amount of lithium were formed in the aftermath of the Big Bang – around 5-10 minutes after the beginning.

All other elements in the Universe were formed in stars. However, they weren’t formed by *chemical* reactions (which cannot change one element into another). They were formed by *nuclear* reactions. The light elements are produced directly via fusion in stars, and the heavier elements are produced by one of a few processes that occur in the core of very large stars (or in the process of that core collapsing).