On the Origin of Elements

Abstract

The abundances of elements and of isotopes indicate that heavy and light elements have been produced by difference processes. The origin of heavy elements is discussed in detail. It is assumed that the heavy elements were formed by a fission process from a neutron-rich nuclear fluid. Simple assumptions are made about this fission process and isotopic abundances are calculated for $62\leqq Z\leqq 78$. The properties of the neutron-rich liquid and possible details of the fission process are discussed.