Nucleosynthesis

Nucleosynthesis is a way of making new elements. It happens when small particles made of protons and neutrons join together and make bigger particles which are called atoms. This can happen inside stars and in other places. When the nuclei of atoms join together, energy is released and that can make new elements like carbon, oxygen, and even heavier elements like gold and uranium. That's how we get all the different kinds of atoms that make up the things around us!