Regular fusion reactions in the core of a star are responsible for the formation of elements through the process of nucleosynthesis. These reactions occur under extreme temperature and pressure conditions, causing lighter elements to combine and form heavier ones. But what is the heaviest element that can be formed through regular fusion reactions?

The answer lies in the understanding of the stellar life cycle. Stars go through different stages, with each stage characterized by the fusion of different elements. In the core of a star, hydrogen atoms fuse together to form helium through the process of nuclear fusion. This fusion reaction releases an enormous amount of energy, which is what powers a star.

As a star evolves, it begins to run out of hydrogen fuel in its core. At this point, the star's gravity causes it to contract, increasing the temperature and pressure in the core. This allows the fusion of helium atoms to form heavier elements like carbon and oxygen. The fusion reactions continue, with each element fusing together to form heavier ones.

However, there is a limit to the elements that can be formed through regular fusion reactions. The heaviest element that can be formed in the core of a star is iron. Iron is the most stable element and has the highest binding energy per nucleon. This means that fusion reactions involving iron would require more energy than they would release, making them thermodynamically unfavorable.

Elements heavier than iron, such as gold, lead, and uranium, are formed through a different process called supernova nucleosynthesis. This occurs during the explosive death of a massive star, where the intense pressure and energy release allow for the fusion of heavier elements.

In conclusion, regular fusion reactions in the core of a star can form elements up to iron, which is the heaviest element that can be formed through this process. Elements heavier than iron require other astrophysical phenomena like supernovae to be synthesized. This understanding of nucleosynthesis helps us unravel the origins of the elements that make up our universe.

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