(Formation of the Heavy

Elements)
 CONTENT How the elements found in the universe were formed
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to demonstrate an
understanding of:
CONTENT 1. the formation of the elements during the Big Bang and
STANDARD during stellar evolution
2. the distribution of the chemical elements and the isotopes
in the universe
At the end of the lesson,
1. Give evidence for and describe the formation of
heavier elements during star formation and evolution
(S11/12PS-IIIa-2)
LEARNING
COMPETENCIE 2. Write the nuclear fusion reactions that take place in
S stars that lead to the formation of new elements
(S11/12PS-IIIa-3)
3. Describe how elements heavier than iron are
formed (S11/12PSIIIa-b-4))
RECAL
Cosmic ray spallation is a form of naturally occurring nuclear fission
and nucleosynthesis. It refers to the formation of chemical elements
from the impact of cosmic rays on an object.
Summary:
Sagan covers several topics, and
focusses mainly on the possibility of
extraterrestrial intelligence, the likelihood
of the existence of more advanced
civilizations, and their distribution in the
local galaxy, and in the universe. He
describes the hypothetical opinions of
more advanced intelligences and their
views of the Earth, as well as
communication with mankind. He also
discusses the popularity of UFO sightings
and attempts mathematically to portray
the probability of such events. Sagan also
discusses his view of astrology as a
KEY
TERMS
1) Fusion -
2) Isotope -
9)
10)
CNO cycle -
Main-sequence star -
3) Stellar evolution - 11) Red giant -
4) Stellar nucleosynthesis - 12) Supernova explosion
5) Supernova -
nucleosynthesis - 13) Supernova -
6) Proton-proton chain 14) R-process -
reaction - 15) S-process -
7) Triple alpha process
nucleosynthesis -
8) Alpha ladder -
 is the process
by which a star
changes over
the course of
 is the
combining of
nuclei to form
a bigger and
heavier
nucleus.
 isthe process by which the
natural abundances of the
chemical elements within
stars vary due to nuclear
fusion reactions in the cores
and overlying mantles of
 is any star that is fusing
hydrogen in its core and has
a stable balance of outward
pressure from core nuclear
fusion and gravitational
forces pushing inward.
 is one of the two (known) sets of
fusion reactions by which stars
convert hydrogen to helium. It
dominates in stars the size of
the Sun or smaller.
 is a dying star in the last
stages of stellar
evolution.
 is a set of nuclear fusion
reactions by which three helium-
4 nuclei (alpha particles) are
transformed into carbon.
 is one of two classes of
nuclear fusion reactions by
which stars convert helium
into heavier elements, the
other being the triple-alpha
process.
 (for carbon–nitrogen–oxygen)
is one of the two known sets
of fusion reactions by which
stars convert hydrogen to
helium.
 It is a catalytic cycle.
 is the explosion
of a star
 the largest
explosion that
takes place in
space.
 isa theory of the production
of many different chemical
elements in supernova
explosions, first advanced
by Fred Hoyle in 1954.
 Rapid
neutron capture process
 involves rapid capture of neutrons by
the atom.
 is a set of reactions in nuclear
astrophysics that are responsible for the
creation (nucleosynthesis) of
approximately half the atomic nuclei
heavier than iron.
 Slow
neutron capture
 involving slow neutron
process
capture in red giants.
 is a series of reactions in nuclear astrophysics which
occur in stars, particularly AGB stars. It is responsible
for the creation (nucleosynthesis) of approximately
half the atomic nuclei heavier than iron.
ASSIGNMENT!...
Research and create an output that
discusses the origin of one of the man-made
elements.
You should be able to:

• discuss the element’s basic characteristics

• give a brief timeline leading up to the element’s

discovery
 Present your
research in a form of
a poster, PowerPoint,
essay, video, or
infographic.
 5 points 10 points 20 points

Unique aspects of
Most basic Basic aspects of the the element (e.g. the
Presentation of
characteristics of element that can be element’s potential
the element’s
the element are found on the periodic significance or
characteristics
missing or absent. table are present. uses) were
presented

The scientific history of The element’s

There is no clear the element’s discovery history was
Timeline of the
chain of events or was made clear, presented clearly
element’s
key moments including notable and the process of
discovery
presented. people and groups creating the element
involved. was discussed.