Origin of the Light Elements

   Which elements emerged from primordial nucleosynthesis?

      How do you think did everything around us form? The emergence of the
universe brought about the formation of elements, and consequently of
matter. One of the most popular attempt to describe the early universe is the
Big Bang Theory. Do you still remember this most acceptable theory about
the origin of the universe? What are the three key observational evidence
supporting the big bang model?(read pp.3-5 of your text book.)  Scientists
believe that everything in the universe was formed through nuclear reactions.
What is nuclear reaction? Nuclear reaction is a process in which nucleus
either combines with another nucleus( through nuclear fusion) or splits into
smaller nuclei(through nuclear fission). In the formation of light elements
protons and neutrons fused forming nuclei in the process called
nucleosynthesis. In this process “light elements” were produced shortly after
the big bang. The most common radioactive particles involved in
nuclear reactions are α particle, β particle, neutron, proton,γ
radiation,etc.

Look at the symbol below, identify the mass number and atomic
number.

                                                          

The following are the most common types of nuclear reactions.

1. Alpha decay:loss of an alpha particle (4 2α )

2. Beta Decay: loss of beta particle (0 -1 β)
3. Gamma Radiation: emission of gamma ray (00γ)
4. Positron emission:conversion of a proton in a nucleus into a neutron,
along with the release of a positron.
5. Electron capture:drawing of an electron into an atom’s nucleus
6. Bombardment of an alpha particle:addition of alpha particle

  Which elements emerged from stellar nucleosynthesis?

    What is stellar nucleosynthesis? Stellar nucleosynthesis is a process

responsible for the formation of heavy elements.The two key processes of
stellar nucleosynthesis are nuclear fusion and neutron capture. To fully
recognize the processes that form heavy elements, one must understand the
life span of stars. Watch the video below then describe what happens during
star formation and evolution based on the video.  Describe how the heavy
elements are formed. What are the nuclear fusion reactions that take place in
stars?

Lesson Proper
    Development of the Atom

      What are the early historical periods that led to the development of
the atomic theory?

              During ancient times, two major historical periods played an

important role in the development of the atomic theory: the development of
Ancient Greek philosophy and the emergence of alchemy. Discoveries during
this time later became the basis of fundamental principles of atoms and
matter. How did Thales of Miletus, Empedocles, Leucippus and Democritus
describe matter? (please read pp.19-20 of your text book)

              ALCHEMY, what are the different words the you can associate with
this word? How did alchemy pave way to the modern atomic theory? What
were the contributions of the following scientists to the development of atom:
Robert Boyle, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier,Joseph-Louis Proust, John
Dalton,J.J. ThomsonErnest Rutherford, and Niels Bohr?