Question

Compare the s- and r-processes in stellar nucleosynthesis.

Short answer

The s-process entails slow neutron capture and beta decay over hundreds of years, whereas the r-process entails multiple neutron captures and beta decays in a very short time.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Concept

Electronegativity: An atom's chemical behavior in which it attracts the shared electron pair to itself is known as electronegativity. As the number of energy levels grows larger, electronegativity decreases.

Compare the s- and r-processes in stellar nucleosynthesis

Slow neutron capture is involved in the s-process. When a nucleus captures a neutron and the resulting nucleus is unstable, beta decay occurs, resulting in a larger nucleus. This process produces stable isotopes up to ${}^{\text{209}}\text{Bi}$for most heavy elements.

The r-process, on the other hand, involves the rapid capture of a nucleus by neutrons. Because the atoms that undergo this process require fast fusion because their half-lives are too short to occur via the s-process, multiple neutron captures and beta decays occur within seconds.