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. 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. _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
2. Describe the formation of heavier elements during star formation
and evolution. _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
3. Explain how elements are formed in stars through nuclear fusion.
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