Explain p-process in nucleosynthesis

In summary, the p-process in nucleosynthesis refers to a type of nuclear reaction that occurs in the early stages of a supernova explosion. It results in the formation of certain neutron-deficient isotopes of elements and involves the capture of protons by nuclei previously formed by other processes. There are various sources available online for more information about this process, including websites, papers, and presentations.
  • #1
sruthisupriya
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could anyone explain p-process in nucleosynthesis for me? i didnt find any suitable site.
 
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  • #2
sruthisupriya said:
could anyone explain p-process in nucleosynthesis for me? i didnt find any suitable site.

Does one mean p-p cycle, as opposed to CNO?

If so, http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/energy/ppchain.html

also of interest - http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/energy/cno-pp.html

pp-chain - http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~rayfrey/321/lecture5.pdf

or does one mean p-process as in
A type of nuclear reaction thought to occur in the early stages of a supernova explosion that results in the formation of certain neutron-deficient isotopes of elements from krypton to zirconium. It involves the capture of protons by nuclei previously formed by the r-process and the s-process.
http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/P/p-process.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-process

or try this paper - The p-process in supernovae - by Woosley, S. E.; Howard, W. M.
The nucleosynthetic origin of the rare proton-rich isotopes, usually called 'p-process' isotopes, is examined. A particularly interesting context for this synthesis is found to be explosive events characterized by peak temperatures in the range from 2 to 3 billion K. At these temperatures a series of photodisintegration reactions operating upon a distribution of r- and s-process seeds produces an abundance pattern that displays striking similarities to that of the p-process nuclei in the solar system. The large proton densities usually required for such synthesis are not needed. Requisite conditions for this model are expected to occur naturally in those zones of supernovae that have experienced helium and perhaps carbon burning prior to explosion. Implications for supernova structure, presupernova evolution, and cosmochronology are discussed, and a critical discussion of other current p-process models is presented.

http://sait.oat.ts.astro.it/MSAIt740203/PDF/2003MmSAI..74..466C.pdf It was current in 2003. Best to use 'save target as'.

http://www.astro.princeton.edu/~tremaine/ast541/johnson.ppt - good overview of various process in stellar nucleosynthesis

P-Process Nucleosynthesis inside Supernova-Driven Supercritical Accretion Disks
http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0211171

One can also search Google with "supernovae","p-process" or "p-process in supernovae".
 
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  • #3


The p-process, also known as the proton capture process, is one of the main pathways in nucleosynthesis where heavy elements beyond iron are formed. It occurs in the late stages of a supernova explosion, when the temperature and density of the stellar environment are high enough to allow for the rapid capture of protons by existing nuclei.

During this process, free protons (hydrogen nuclei) are bombarded by high-energy photons and neutrons, causing them to fuse with existing nuclei and form heavier elements. This process is different from other nucleosynthesis pathways, such as the s-process and r-process, which primarily involve neutron capture.

The p-process is responsible for the production of elements such as silver, gold, and platinum, which are not formed through other nucleosynthesis pathways. It also plays a crucial role in the production of rare radioactive isotopes, which have important applications in fields such as nuclear medicine and radiometric dating.

In summary, the p-process is an essential mechanism in the formation of heavy elements in the universe, and it is an ongoing area of research in astrophysics to further understand its intricacies and implications.
 

FAQ: Explain p-process in nucleosynthesis

1. What is the p-process in nucleosynthesis?

The p-process, also known as the proton capture process, is a type of nucleosynthesis that occurs in the outer layers of massive stars. It involves the capture of protons by heavy nuclei, resulting in the formation of heavier elements.

2. How does the p-process contribute to element formation in the universe?

The p-process is responsible for the production of about half of the elements heavier than iron in the universe. This includes elements such as gold, platinum, and uranium.

3. What are the conditions necessary for the p-process to occur?

The p-process requires extremely high temperatures and densities, which are found in the outer layers of massive stars during their late stages of evolution. It also requires a high abundance of free protons.

4. What are some key reactions involved in the p-process?

The key reactions involved in the p-process include proton capture, photo-disintegration, and beta decay. These reactions result in the sequential addition of protons to heavy nuclei, creating new, heavier elements.

5. How does the p-process differ from other nucleosynthesis processes?

The p-process differs from other nucleosynthesis processes such as the s-process and r-process in terms of the elements produced and the conditions required. While the s-process and r-process mostly occur in low-mass stars and supernovae, the p-process mainly occurs in massive stars. Additionally, the p-process produces elements with higher atomic numbers compared to the other processes.

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