Final answer:
The stages of core nuclear fusion in the evolution of a massive star occur in the order of helium, carbon, oxygen, neon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stages of core nuclear fusion in the evolution of a massive star occur in the following order: D) helium, carbon, oxygen, neon.
After the helium in the core of a massive star is exhausted, the carbon core contracts and becomes hot enough to fuse carbon into oxygen, neon, and magnesium. Then, after each of these nuclear fuels is exhausted, the core contracts again and reaches a new temperature high enough to fuse still-heavier nuclei, such as silicon, sulfur, calcium, and argon. Finally, the fusion of iron atoms produces elements that are more massive than the nuclei being fused and requires energy instead of releasing it.