During Its Life, a Massive Star Creates Heavier and Heavier

Multiple Choice

During its life, a massive star creates heavier and heavier elements in its core through thermonuclear fusion, leading up to silicon and iron. What is the fate of the iron that is created?

A) The nuclei are split apart by neutron bombardment, creating lighter elements such as carbon, oxygen, and neon.
B) The iron is locked up inside the star forever.
C) The iron is destroyed by later thermonuclear fusion reactions in the core that create even heavier elements such as lead, gold, and uranium.
D) The iron is torn apart by high-energy photons at the end of the star's life.