(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 pseudoscience.
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 13) Supernova -
nucleosynthesis - 14) R-process -
6) Proton-proton 15) S-process -
chain reaction -
7) Triple alpha
process
 is the
combining of
nuclei to form
a bigger and
heavier
nucleus.
 is a form of a chemical
element whose atomic
nucleus contains a
specific number of
neutrons, in addition to
the number of protons
that uniquely defines the
 is the process
by which a star
changes over
the course of
 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 stars.
 isa theory of the production
of many different chemical
elements in supernova
explosions, first advanced
by Fred Hoyle in 1954.
 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 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 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
 is a dying star in the last
stages of stellar
evolution.
 is the
explosion of a
star
 the largest
explosion
that takes
 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 process
 involving slow neutron
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.
ACTIVITY