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

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