Physical Science

Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Formation of Heavy Elements

Personal Development
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Title
First Edition, 2020

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 What I Need to Know

This module will walk you through the beginning of everything.

It focuses on how some elements known today were formed same as
when stars were born right after the universe existed. You will be provided with
activities such as filling out graphic organizer, reading story board and illustrations
which make you remember the lesson. Make sure to answer first the pretest before
going through this module and the posttest at the end of the module.

The module consists of:

• Lesson 1 – Stellar Nucleosynthesis: Rise of the Stars!

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. explain stellar nucleosynthesis;

2. describe the different stages of life cycle of stars;
3. cite the different heavy elements formed in each stages of star cycle;
4. describe how heavier elements formed during stellar nucleosynthesis and
evolution.

Have you also wondered what stars are made of? What keeps them shining so bright?
Are there also stars that do not spark? You might also be asking the same questions
ever since you were little that until now you still seek answers for. Well, this module
will help you understand some of the important concepts about stars.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
What I Know

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Choose the letter of the best answer in each item and write it on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Which of the following is the most accepted theory about the formation of
the universe that explains why it continues to expand?
a. big bang theory c. steady state theory
b. divine creation theory d. oscillating theory

2. Which of the following is not considered as light elements?

a. helium c. lithium
b. hydrogen d. iron
3. Which of the following is TRUE about nucleosynthesis?
a. It is the division of atomic particle
b. The combination of elements to form compound
c. It is the creation of everything including all matter in universe
d. It is the process of creating new atomic nuclei from pre-existing nuclei

4. Which process is responsible for the formation of light elements such as

Hydrogen and Helium?
a. big bang nucleosynthesis c. supernova nucleosynthesis.
b. stellar nucleosynthesis d. terrestrial nucleosynthesis

5. Which element is the lightest and at the same time the most abundant in
outer space?
a. hydrogen c. lithium
b. helium d. iron
6. How do heavier elements formed?
a. Though combustion c. Through nuclear fusion
b. Through nuclear fission d. Through nuclear synthesis

7. Which element can be formed when three atoms of helium are fused?
a. carbon c. oxygen
b. hydrogen d. silicon
8. Which of the following elements DOES NOT belong to the group?
a. beryllium c. iron
b. silicon d. oxygen

9. Which process is responsible for the formation of elements at the center of

star?
a. big bang nucleosynthesis c. stellar nucleosynthesis
b. nuclear fusion d. supernova nucleosynthesis

10. How Elements heavier than iron are formed?

a. big bang nucleosynthesis c. stellar nucleosynthesis

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 b. solar nucleosynthesis d. supernova nucleosynthesis

11. Which element will be formed when Carbon atom is combined with Helium
atom?
a. magnesium c. oxygen
b. neon d. silicon
12. Why do average stars have longer life span than massive star?
a. They have less fuel to burn c. They burn their fuel at faster rate
b. They have more fuel to burn d. They burn their fuel at slower rate

13. Which phase of star life cycle is our sun?

a. main sequence star c. red giant
b. planetary nebula d. white dwarf

14. Which of the following contains only heavy elements?

a. carbon, lithium, neon
b. carbon, silicon, magnesium
c. carbon, beryllium, helium
d. helium, carbon, hydrogen

15. In which stage do massive stars explode and release large amount of energy?
a. main sequence
b. protostar
c. super nova
d. white dwarf

Lesson
Stellar Nucleosynthesis:
1 Rise of the Stars!

The world where we live today is just a small part of our universe. In your
previous years, you have learned about the different theories of the origin of

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the universe that eventually led to the formation of galaxies, solar system and
other heavenly bodies. This lesson will focus on one of those wonderful things
present in outer space, the stars. Although stars are millions of light years
away from us, we can still see them twinkling in the night sky. Let’s find out
how they emit light and what keeps them shining for a long time.

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 What’s In

Scientists believe that the formation of the universe began through the
explosion of a primordial atom which happened 13 billion years ago. It is
known as the Big Bang . It became a theory that also explains the
continuous expansion of the universe.

Right after Big Bang, protons and neutrons combined together and formed
light elements Hydrogen and Helium in the process of Big Bang
Nucleosynthesis. Other light elements such as Lithium and Beryllium
were also formed during this process.

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 What’s New

Stellar Nucleosynthesis
The word “stellar” means star and the formation of elements in the
center of the star is called stellar nucleosynthesis. Carl Sagan said that “We are made
of star stuff.” What did he mean by that? If we know how some important heavy
elements were formed same as stars, that maybe a clue.
Label the sequence of star life cycle. Use the hints/clues found in the table below
this diagram.

Star Life Cycle

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

8. _____ 4. ______
______

9. _____ 5. ______
______

10. _____
______
7. ______ 6. ______

Average Star Massive Star

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 Hints/ Clues
Average Star
1. The star is unable to generate heat when it runs out of
hydrogen in its core leading to its contraction and expansion.
It cools down and glows red. The Helium fused into Carbon.
The star is now RED GIANT
2. Red giant star becomes exhausted of nuclear fuel, the outer
material is blown off into space leaving the inert Carbon. The
remnant is known as WHITE DWARF.
3. Giant cloud of gas and dust known as NEBULA.
4. It is formed from nebula due to the gravity that pulled
Hydrogen gas together until it spins faster and faster and
becomes ignited. A PROTOSTAR rises.
5. MAIN SEQUENCE STAR starts to form when nuclear fusion
occurs at the core of the star, it begins to contract, glow and
become stable. Hydrogen is converted into Helium.
6. This is said to be the remain of the white dwarf that cooled
down and no longer emits light and heat. The hypothetical
BLACK DWARF.

Massive star
1. It is believed that a NEUTRON STAR is formed from supernova
explosion. This is also the smallest star
2. Explosion of star or SUPERNOVA releases large amount of
energy. Because of that, elements are dispersed into the space.
3. BLACK HOLE is a region in space where gravity is too strong that
no matter can escape from it.
4. A more massive main sequence star evolves, cools and expands
faster than low mass star and will turn into RED SUPER GIANT
star, the largest known star. Carbon fusion still occurs and
Oxygen formed.

Notes to the Teacher

• Guide them in this activity and clarify any
misconceptions.
• The teacher can also ask the students to illustrate the
stages of star cycle using their art materials in a
separate bond paper for better retention.

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 What is It

Were you able to label all the stages of star? Review the hints/clues
in the previous activity. You will notice that following the sequence
will reveal what happens in each stage of star.

To understand further, answer the following questions below.

1. What element from space is pulled by gravity and turn into a protostar?
______________________________________________________________________

2. What will happen if a low massive main sequence star runs out of hydrogen
fuel?
_______________________________________________________________________

3. How are heavy elements such as Carbon, Oxygen and Neon formed during
star formation?
_______________________________________________________________________

4. Why is it impossible for any matter such as light and radiation to escape from
a black hole?
________________________________________________________________________

5. Why do you think massive star has shorter life span than average star?
________________________________________________________________________

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Look at the diagrams below. These will explain how stars are formed into different
stages because of nuclear fusion (combination of nuclei to form heavier one)
among heavy elements.

The diagram shows

the Proton-Proton
Chain reaction in
main sequence star .
This is the process by
which average star
gets their energy and
convert H ydrogen into
Helium. It starts with
proton and neutron
fused together to form
deuterium. When one
proton collides with
deuterium, Helium-3
is formed. Two
Helium-3 collided will
form Helium-4.

Case is different in massive

star or star eight times
larger than solar mass.
They undergo CNO
(Carbon, Nitrogen,
Oxygen) cycle to convert
Hydrogen into Helium. You
can see at the right how
Carbon 12 fused with
proton (H) and form
Nitrogen-13. Nitrogen-13
undergoes beta decay to
form Carbon -13. Carbon -
13 captures proton (H) and
Nitrogen 14 is formed.
Nitrogen 14 captures
proton and Oxygen -15 is
produced. Oxygen-15
undergoes beta decay and
produces Nitrogen-15.
Nitrogen-15 fused with
proton gives off Helium and
ends up with Carbon -12.
Then the process repeats
again.

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Tri alpha process happens in red giant star once they leave the stage of
main sequence star. This i s how three Helium-4 are converted into Carbon.

A star accumulates more mass and continues to grow into red super giant.
Alpha particle fusion happens at its core and creates more heavy elements
until Iron. This is known as the Alpha ladder process.

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11
How do elements heavier than Iron form? As the energy at the
core of the star decreases, nuclear fusion cannot produce
elements higher than Iron. Different pathway is needed for
heavier elements to be formed.
Neutron capture , a neutron is added to a seed nucleus.
Below is the representation of how neutron is captured
and heavier nucleus is formed.

Example:

Neutron capture can be slow or rapid;

a. S-process or slow process happens when there is a

slow rate of capturing neutron while there is a faster
rate of radioactive decay hence increasing the proton
by 1.
Example:

b. R-process or rapid process means that there is faster

rate of capturing neutron before it undergoes
radioactive decay thus, more neutrons can be
combined at the nucleus. This is what happens in a
supernova forming heavier elements than Iron with
the process known as supernova nucleosynthesis.
Example:

The explosion of star or supernova is believed

to be the source of other elements heavier
than Iron. During the explosion, these heavy
elements are dispersed into the space. Aside
from gases Hydrogen and Helium in space,
other evidence of star formation is the energy
emitted during nuclear reaction . It is also the
energy emitted by different forms of radiation
such as UV, Infrared, X -ray, radio wave and
microwave.

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 What’s More

Match the terms in column A with its description in Column B

a. There is faster rate of capturing
A neutron before it undergoes
radioactive decay
________1. Alpha ladder process
b. Nuclear fusion that happens in red
super giant star and creates more
heavy elements until Iron.
________2. Big bang nucleosynthesis
c. Happens when there is a slow rate
of capturing neutron while there is
________3. CNO cycle
a faster rate of radioactive decay
d. Process wherein light elements
________4. Neutron capture
such as Helium and Hydrogen
form.
________5. Proton- proton chain
e. This is how three Helium-4 is
converted into Carbon in red giant
________6. R- process
star
f. A process where elements heavier
________7. S- process
than Iron are formed.
________8. Stellar Nucleosynthesis g. Nuclear fusion reaction where
Hydrogen is converted to Helium
________9.Supernova h. Addition of neutron to form heavier
Nucleosynthesis nuclei
i. Process by which elements are
_______10. Tri alpha process created within the star
j. This happens in massive star
which convert Hydrogen into
B Helium.

What I Have Learned

Read the paragraph then fill in the blanks with the correct word/s.

It all starts with 1. ____________, cloud of gas and dust particle in outer space.
Due to the force of gravity, the 2. ____________ gas is pulled together and eventually
became a protostar. Nebular fusion occurs at the center of the protostar and becomes
stable. During this time, hydrogen is converted into 3. _____________ forming main
sequence star. The size of the star can be average or massive. A massive main
sequence star that runs out of hydrogen fuel will begin to expand and cool down.
This is 4. ________________, the biggest star in the universe. The red super giant
continues to fuse with heavy elements and stops when 5. ___________ is converted in
the core of the star. At this point, red super giant will become a supernova after
hundreds of years.

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 What I Can Do

Now, you have learned how stars are formed and evolve from one stage to another
and its connection with heavy elements from Carbon through Iron. There are many
processes that stars have to undergo before they evolve from one stage to another.
For your next task, you will write a story which relates the events of your life from
past, present and future to the life cycle of a star. Use also those elements which
could symbolize something or anything in your story. (Use another sheet of paper for
this task).
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Rubrics for Story of Your Life

Criteria
Excellent Fair ( Poor
(5pts) 3pts) (1pt)

Work shows time,

Overall effort effort and
neatness that Work shows time Lacks effort and
enhances the and effort put into cleanliness
overall written it
output.

The project
The student's
contains
output contains No background or
discussion of
background and contextual
Background world events but it
context context and shows information is
is unclear how included.
how world events
they have affected
have significantly
the student's life.
affected his/her
life.

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 The student does The student The student
not commit error commits 1- 3 commits more
Grammar and
when it comes to grammar mistakes than 4 mistakes in
Spelling
grammar and and spelling. grammar and
spelling. spelling

Student includes Information

Student includes
very few details. included is not
information about
Output is related to the task
Content birth, friends,
somewhat tied up or no attempt was
family, hobbies
with the topic made.
and is able to tie
his/her story to
the topic given.

Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is NOT an evidence of star formation?

a. hydrogen c. infrared Radiation
b. helium d. rocks
2. How is the energy of star produced?
a. By combustion c. by nuclear fission
b. By decomposition d. by nuclear fusion

3. Which phase of star will be created after the end of red giant?
a. black hole c. supernova
b. red super giant d. white dwarf
4. Which is known as the biggest stars in the universe.
a. main sequence star c. red super giant
b. red giant d. white dwarf

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5. Which of the following gases are major components of star?
a. carbon and oxygen c. hydrogen and carbon
b. helium and carbon d. hydrogen and helium

6. Which of the following statements is FALSE?

a. The core of red giant star is made up of carbon
b. The average star has shorter life span
c. The more massive the star is the faster it burns its fuel
d. No elements heavier than Iron can be produced in a massive star

7. Which is the first stage of a star’s life cycle?

a. black hole c. protostar
b. nebula d. white dwarf
8. In main sequence star, Hydrogen fuses and converted to Helium. What
element is produced from Helium gas at its core??
a. carbon c. neon
b. iron d. silicon

9. Which is the second most abundant element in the universe?

a. carbon c. hydrogen
b. helium d. oxygen
10. What object is formed from gas and dust particles which are pulled together
by gravity and no nuclear fusion has happened yet?
a. nebula c. protostar
b. main sequence star d. red supergiant star

11. Who stated that we are made of star stuff?

a. Carl Sagan c. Galileo Galilei
b. Edwin Hubble d. Stephen Hawking

12. Which of the following is the sign that a protostar will transform into the next
stage?
a. When the it starts to spin faster
b. When it starts to glow
c. When Hydrogen nuclear fusion begins
d. When it increases temperature igniting the Hydrogen

13. When does a star become unstable?

a. When it runs out of fuel
b. When it contracts and expands

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 c. When its core is converted to Iron
d. When the outer shell of star is pulled by the gravity from the center

14. Which fusion of elements does Iron come from?

a. carbon fusion c. magnesium fusion
b. neon fusion d. silicon fusion

15. Which is a huge luminous ball of hot gas such as Hydrogen and Helium.
a. comet c. planet
b. moon d. star

Additional Activities

On this activity, you will see a star with the topic written on its center. Fill out the
parts of the stars with all the concepts you have learned in this module.

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 1

7 2

Star Formation

6 3

5 4

References

Dhaliwal, J and Moore,J. (n.d).Stellar Nucleosynthesis and The Periodic Table.

Retrieved from
https://earthref.org/SCC/lessons/2012/nucleosynthesis/#materials

National Aeroautics and Space Administration. (2015, May 7).Imagine the Universe.
Retrieved from
https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/lifecycles/LC_main_p2.html

The Elements: Forged in Stars.(n.d). Retrieved from

https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.fusion/theele
ments-forged-in-stars/

Toogood, O (n.d).Hubbles Law and the Big Bang. Retrieved from

http://www.alevelphysicsnotes.com/astrophysics/big_bang.html# Cain,

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F. (2009, February 5). Red Super Giant Star. Retrieved from
https://www.universetoday.com/

Quipper. (n.d). Nucleosynthesis: The beginning of Elements. Retrieved from

https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/547ff9a8d2b76d0002001cf8/cu
rriculum#curriculum

Cantor, K. (n.d). Asrtonomy Portfolio. Retrived from

https://sites.google.com/a/wnesu.com/astronomy-portfolio-
kennycantor/big-bang-theory

Wiess, A. (2006). “Big Bang Nucleosynthesis: Cooking up the first Light Elements”.
Retrieved from https://www.einstein-online.info/en/spotlight/bbn/

Strassler, M. (2013, March 4). What Holds Nuclei Together?. Retrived from
https://profmattstrassler.com/articles-and-posts/particle-
physicsbasics/the-structure-of-matter/the-nuclei-of-atoms-at-the-heart-
ofmatter/what-holds-nuclei-together/

Esiegel. (2014, February 28). Burn Baby Burn!

https://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2014/02/28/ask-ethan-26burn-
baby-burn
Canoy, W.Z. ( 2019, November 10). We Are all Made of Star Stuff. Retrieved from
https://www.facebook.com/notes/physical-science/lesson-2-we-are-
allmade-of-star-stuff-formation-of-the-heavy-elements/3024639240885614/

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