Which process explains the current distribution of elements in the universe?

The correct answer is B, which refers to nucleosynthesis during the Big Bang. This process is fundamental in understanding the origin and distribution of elements in the universe. During the first few minutes after the Big Bang, as the universe rapidly expanded and cooled, protons and neutrons combined to form the lightest elements, primarily hydrogen and helium, along with trace amounts of lithium and beryllium. This initial formation of elements is known as Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

The significance of this process lies in its role as the primary mechanism for producing the light elements that we see today. The abundances of these elements are consistent with predictions made by the theory of Big Bang nucleosynthesis, which states that about 75% of the normal matter in the universe is in the form of hydrogen, while about 25% is helium, with very little of the heavier elements produced during this early phase of the universe.

The other processes mentioned, while relevant in their own contexts, do not account for the overall elemental distribution as effectively as Big Bang nucleosynthesis does. Cosmic inflation primarily deals with the rapid expansion of space in the early universe and does not directly influence elemental formation. Stellar nucleosynthesis occurs later in the life cycles of stars, producing