ACTIVITY NO.

4: How Elements Heavier than Iron are Formed

NAME: DATE:
YEAR & SECTION: SCORE:

Concept Notes:
Nucleosynthesis is the process by which new nuclei are formed from pre-existing or seed nuclei. In the previous lessons,
you have learned about the types of nucleosynthesis. The big bang nucleosynthesis produced hydrogen and helium,
whereas the stellar nucleosynthesis produced elements up to iron in the core of the stars.
If the stellar nucleosynthesis produced only elements up to iron, then what type of nucleosynthesis produced the
elements heavier than iron?

The fusion reactions cannot produce nuclei higher than iron-56 because fusion reaction becomes unfavorable. This is
because the nuclear binding energy per nucleon, the energy that holds the nucleus intact, decreases after iron-56.
Therefore, different pathways are needed for the synthesis of heavier nuclei.
Synthesis of heavier nuclei happens via neutron or proton capture processes.
Neutron Capture
In neutron capture, a neutron is added to a seed nucleus. The addition of neutron produces a heavier isotope of the
element.
Exercises: A. Read each statement carefully. Write the word/s of the correct answer on the blank space.

1. It is the process by which nuclei are synthesized from pre-existing ones. _____________________
2. Neutron capture process is often accompanied by _______ decay.
3. Slow neutron capture process is also called __________________.
B. Read each statement carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
4. Which of the following processes cannot synthesize nuclei heavier than
a. fusion with c. slow neutron capture
b. rapid neutron capture d. proton capture
5. Which of the following are requirements for rapid neutron capture process? (2 possible answers)
a. high proton density c. extremely high temperature
b. high neutron density d. high alpha particles density
6. Which of the following are the net effects of a proton capture? (2 possible answers)
a. increase in atomic number c. decrease in number of neutron
b. increase in mass number d. decrease in atomic number
7. Which of the following are the net effects of a neutron capture? (2 possible answers)
a. decrease in atomic number c. increase in the number of neutron
b. decrease in the number of protons d. increase in mass number
8. Which of the following is most likely a product of undergoing two consecutive neutron captures
which are immediately followed by a decay?
a. b. c. d.
9. Which of the following is most qualified to be called an r-process?
a. c.
b. d.
10. Which of the following is the most likely the seed nucleus of that underwent two p-processes
and an s-process?
a. b. c. d.