PHYSICAL SCIENCE

LOREN MARIE L. ACEBO

SHS SCIENCE TEACHER
 In the previous lesson, you
have learned how the light
elements hydrogen, helium,
lithium, and beryllium, were
formed during the big bang
nucleosynthesis.
Stellar Nucleosynthesis
 Objectives:
1.Define stellar nucleosynthesis
2.Describe the formation of
heavier elements during star
formation
3.Explain how elements are formed
in stars through nuclear fusion.
 What is stellar
nucleosynthesis?
 Stellar nucleosynthesis is
the process by which elements
are formed within stars. The
abundances of these elements
change as the stars evolve.
 Evolution of Stars
The star formation theory proposes
that stars form due to the collapse of the
dense regions of a molecular cloud. As
the cloud collapses, the fragments
contract to form a stellar core
called protostar. Due to strong
gravitational force, the protostar
contracts and its temperature increases.
 When the
contraction
stops, the
gravitational
equilibrium is
reached, and the
protostar has
become a main
sequence star.
 Helium is
converted to
carbon in the core
while hydrogen is
converted to
helium in the shell
surrounding the
core. The star has
become a red
giant.
 When the majority of
the helium in the core
has been converted to
carbon, then the rate of
fusion decreases. The
only thing that remains
is the hot and inert
carbon core. The star
becomes a white dwarf.
The star becomes a white dwarf.
 However, the fate of a
massive star is different. A
massive star has enough
mass such that
temperature and pressure
increase to a point where
carbon fusion can occur.
The star goes through a
series of stages where
heavier elements are
fused in the core and in
the shells around the
core.
When the core can
no longer produce
energy to resist
gravity, the star is
doomed. Gravity
squeezes the core
until the star
explodes and
releases a large
amount of energy.
The star explosion
is called
a supernova.
What are the nuclear
fusion reactions that
happen in the stellar
cores?
Stellar nucleosynthesis is the
process by which elements are
formed in the cores and shells
of the stars through nuclear
fusion reactions.
Nuclear fusion is a type of reaction
that fuses lighter elements to form
heavier ones.
It requires very high temperatures
and pressures. It is the reaction that
fuels the stars since stars have very
high temperatures and pressures in
their cores.
Hydrogen is the lightest element
and the most abundant in space.
Thus, the formation of heavier
elements starts with hydrogen. 
Key Points
⮚ Stellar nucleosynthesis is the
process by which elements are
formed within stars.
⮚ The star formation theory proposes
that stars form due to the collapse of
the dense regions of a molecular
cloud.
ACTIVITY:
1. Define Stellar Nucleosynthesis.
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2. Describe the formation of heavier elements during star formation

and evolution.
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3. Explain how elements are formed in stars through nuclear fusion.

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FOR ALL YOUR ACTIVITIES AND PREVIOUS
ASSIGNMENT YOU CAN VISIT OUR
EDMODO CLASS AND FACEBOOK
GROUP :

Edmodo: SHS-TVL(physical Science)

Fb Group: SHS-TVL(PHYSICAL SCIENCE)

DEADLINE:November 07,2020