Packet 2: Tossup 16

This is the lighter of two elements found in a diatomic molecule whose presence indicates molecular clouds. This is the lighter of two elements that most commonly make up the cores of white dwarfs, which (-5[1])can undergo (-5[3])type Ia (15[1]-5[1])(“one-a”) supernovae through this element's (15[1])“detonation.” (-5[1])This (15[1]-5[1])is the lightest of three elements (15[1])which name a cycle that mediates hydrogen (*) fusion (10[1])in massive (10[1])stars. (10[2]-5[1])This element (0[1])is produced by the fusion of three helium nuclei (10[1]-5[1])in the (10[1])triple-alpha (10[1])process. (10[1]-5[1])Bombardment by cosmic rays produces (10[1])this element's isotope 14, (10[1])which is used in (10[1])radiometric (10[1])dating. (10[3])For 10 points, life on Earth is said to be (10[1])“based” on what (10[1])element? ■END■ (10[2]0[1])

Back to tossups

Buzzes

Summary