If the final element to be fused in a star is iron, where does everything after that come from?

Question

If the final element to be fused in a star is iron, where does everything after that come from?

In: 154

Answer 1

Iron is the end state for nuclear fusion in the core of a star. Every element beyond iron is formed in the supernova that happens as the core of the star collapses, or in the other kinds of supernova. Some heavy elements are also formed when 2 neutron stars enter into a death spiral and collide making yet another massive explosion.

To put it simply everything beyond iron is made in massive explosions as stars die.