Bigger Stars More Elements

Stars larger than the Sun follow a somewhat different path than do Sun-sized stars, primarily because they are more massive. In such stars, nuclear reactions that are not possible in solar-size stars can occur, and, as a result of those reactions, a larger array of elements can be formed. 

For example, in a star with a mass more than 25 times that of our own Sun, carbon, oxygen, and neon can continue to burn, that is, continue to react with alpha particles to form larger and more complex nuclei  

These reactions can continue through the production of iron  

Beyond this point, the production of heavier elements by means of fusion is no longer possible because sufficient amounts of energy are not available. 

Other fusion reactions involving large nuclei are also possible, such as the burning of carbon and oxygen to produce heavier nuclei  

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