There was a BBC program on the universe which explained it, interesting stuff

At the beginning of the end most of a star is hydrogen/helium, and amazing forces forge these simple elements into more complex elements

It isn't only metals that were made in stars anything above hydrogen helium and lithium in the periodic table) were made in stars that eventually exploded.

The big bang supposedly created the above 3 elements. But that theory (Bbg bang) has had to be propped up by so many ad hoc props that I believe it to be highly suspect.

Andrew.

I agree – that's why it's only a Theory. Lot's of evidence in support, but many awkward difficulties, not least what caused the Big Bang in the first place.

I'm sure you know this already, but others may find it interesting. About 1890 most reputable Scientists believed that Physics was 'finished', job done. Science had managed to quantify most of the natural world and expected the next step to consist of polishing the details. How wrong they were! When the few remaining unexplained phenomena were investigated, it became apparent that accepted theories were wrong. Photovoltaic activity, Black Hole Radiation, the source of the Sun's Energy, Astronomy, Atomic Structure and other examples could not be explained by Victorian Science.

Quantum Mechanics and Relativity provided better answers and insight during the 20th Century, but there's still a problem. With certain contradictions like being able to 'prove' by simple experiment that light is a wave, not particles, and also that light must be particles, not a wave, Newtonian mechanics describe the world on a human scale very well indeed. But Quantum Mechanics, which are very strange, are essential to describe the very small: atomic and sub-atomic. Meanwhile, Relativity, which is also peculiar, is needed to describe the very large: Suns, Solar Systems, Galaxies and the Universe etc. The painful truth is that these three views of our world, all of which work well aren't compatible with each other. Something is missing.

Another problem, which may not be related to the Quantum/Relativity scale paradox, is that various Astronomical observations do not support current Physical theory. In particular, in theory the Universe should contain a lot more energy and mass than we can detect. It's called Dark Energy and Dark Mass on the assumption that it exists but we can't see it because we've not looked properly. Unfortunately, persistent failure of many clever attempts to detect anything 'Dark' suggests that the Theory is wrong. If so, that means quite a lot of existing physics must also be wrong and that a major rethink will be needed.

Does it matter? Yes, it does. Much advanced technology depends on Quantum and Relativistic Physics. It's not that LED's, Lasers, and GPS will suddenly stop working if Physical Theory is proved wrong, rather a more accurate understanding of how the world works will open up new possibilities. Technology marches on. I'm baffled!

Dave

Why is it simplistic. It just means that the universe is seeded with heavy element by stars which did explode. That would be generally stars in excess of the Chandrasekhar Limit which is about 1.4 solar masses.

regards Martin

The moon is made of cheese.