Round 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 type Ia (-5[1])(“one-a”) supernovae through this element's “detonation.” This (15[1]-5[1])is the lightest of three elements which name a cycle that mediates hydrogen (*) fusion (10[1])in massive (10[1])stars. (-5[1])This element (0[1])is produced by the fusion of three helium nuclei (10[1]-5[1])in the triple-alpha (10[1])process. (-5[1])Bombardment by cosmic rays produces (10[1])this element's isotope 14, (10[1])which is used in radiometric (10[1])dating. (10[2])For 10 points, life on Earth is said to be (10[1])“based” on what element? ■END■ (10[2]0[1])

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