Lithium, beryllium, and boron (Z = 3, 4, and 5, respectively) have very low abundances in the cosmos compared to many heavier elements (see Figure 13-33). Considering the fusion of He to C, explain these low abundances.

Figure 13-33

Relative abundance 1 10- 10-4 10-8 10-8 10-10 10-12 0 Hydrogen Helium Carbon Oxygen Neon 1 10 Magnesium Nitrogen Boron Lithium Beryllium Silicon -Sulfur Argon Iron Calcium Nickel 1 20 30 Atomic number, Z 40 50