What is zeldovich mechanism?

The Zeldovich mechanism is a process in astrophysics that explains how elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are created in the universe. It is named after the Russian physicist Yakov Zeldovich, who first proposed the idea in 1964.

The mechanism occurs during the early stages of the universe, when conditions were extremely hot and dense. At this time, hydrogen and helium were the only elements present. The Zeldovich mechanism involves the formation of heavier elements from these two elements through a process known as primordial nucleosynthesis.

During this process, high-energy photons collide with hydrogen and helium atoms, ionizing them and increasing the concentration of free protons and neutrons in the universe. As the universe cools down and expands, these free protons and neutrons begin to combine through nuclear fusion to form heavier elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

The Zeldovich mechanism is important because it helps to explain the abundance of elements in the universe today. It also provides valuable insights into the early stages of the universe and its evolution over time.