Intro
Our first unit in chemistry this year was Cosmic Chemistry. We studied everything from how stars form to how elements are created. We supplemented our learning with a few different projects, such as posters, solar system models, and our end of the unit project. The goals for this unit were to be able to develop a model that illustrated the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay; and to be able to develop a model to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun's core to release energy in the form of radiation.
Our Project
My group decided to focus our project on the death of stars. We created a stop motion video that demonstrated all the different ways stars can die. It also showed that different types of stars will die in different ways, and that is largely dependent on their mass. Stars die when they stop performing nuclear synthesis and no longer create the fuel they need to survive. The main ways that stars can die are as a supernova, a black hole, a planetary nebula, or a neutron star. A supernova occurs when the pressures building up inside a star causes it to explode outward. A black hole occurs when a star can no longer fight the forces of gravity, which causes it to collapse inward. A planetary nebula is created when the ionized gas from an exploding star glows infrared due to the heat from the star. Neutron stars are created after a supernova. They extremely small and dense, and don't generate any heat.
Stellar death is actual vital to stellar life! When stars die and explode they blow all of their elements out into space. Combined with the large amounts of heat, this creates the perfect environment for new elements to form.
Stellar death is actual vital to stellar life! When stars die and explode they blow all of their elements out into space. Combined with the large amounts of heat, this creates the perfect environment for new elements to form.
Key Concepts
Subatomic Particles- Subatomic particles are particles that are even smaller than atoms. For example, atoms are made up of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Other subatomic particles are alpha particles, beta particles, and positrons.
Fission- The process of splitting a nucleus into two smaller nuclei. The process is started by bombarding the nucleus of an atom with neutrons. When the neutrons strike the nucleus it causes the nucleus to split and produce two smaller nuclei, as well as releasing energy.
Fusion- The process of combing two nuclei and releasing large amounts of energy. Fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, which makes it a very difficult source of energy to produce.
Radioactive Decay- Unstable nuclei have too many neutrons so they decay by emitting beta particles. Some have to undergo more than one nuclear transformation to become stable.
Half-Life- The amount of time it takes for half of a particle to decay. The half-life of a particle can be used to determine how old it is by comparing the half-life to the amount of the particle that is left.
Nuclear Transmutation- The conversion of one element into another through fission or fusion. This can be induced by humans using a particle accelerator.
Radiation- Radiation is released when unstable particles decay. There are different types of radiation, the most harmful being gamma rays. They cause significant damage to skin, and even penetrate through it to cause internal damage.
Nucleosynthesis- The process of a new element being created by combing two elements. Nucleosynthesis is done in the core of stars.
Alpha Particle- An alpha particle is the same as a He-4 nucleus, with two protons and two neutrons. Alpha particles are released during alpha decay.
Beta Particle- A beta particle is a high speed electron that is emitted by the nucleus during beta decay.
Gamma Rays- A very high energy radiation that is emitted during the loss of a nuclear particle.
Fission- The process of splitting a nucleus into two smaller nuclei. The process is started by bombarding the nucleus of an atom with neutrons. When the neutrons strike the nucleus it causes the nucleus to split and produce two smaller nuclei, as well as releasing energy.
Fusion- The process of combing two nuclei and releasing large amounts of energy. Fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, which makes it a very difficult source of energy to produce.
Radioactive Decay- Unstable nuclei have too many neutrons so they decay by emitting beta particles. Some have to undergo more than one nuclear transformation to become stable.
Half-Life- The amount of time it takes for half of a particle to decay. The half-life of a particle can be used to determine how old it is by comparing the half-life to the amount of the particle that is left.
Nuclear Transmutation- The conversion of one element into another through fission or fusion. This can be induced by humans using a particle accelerator.
Radiation- Radiation is released when unstable particles decay. There are different types of radiation, the most harmful being gamma rays. They cause significant damage to skin, and even penetrate through it to cause internal damage.
Nucleosynthesis- The process of a new element being created by combing two elements. Nucleosynthesis is done in the core of stars.
Alpha Particle- An alpha particle is the same as a He-4 nucleus, with two protons and two neutrons. Alpha particles are released during alpha decay.
Beta Particle- A beta particle is a high speed electron that is emitted by the nucleus during beta decay.
Gamma Rays- A very high energy radiation that is emitted during the loss of a nuclear particle.
Reflection
This project went well because our group cooperated well. Everyone threw out ideas for a project and we all listened and considered each one, before eventually deciding on the best path. We had very good communication. We also all contributed to the work. Every person helped with drawing and recording the voice overs. At the beginning we split up into two groups. The first group worked on researching and finding information. The second group created a storyboard and a plan for how to record. Then, we all helped with drawing and filming the stop motion, as well as filming the voice overs.
The most difficult part of this project was managing the chaotic schedule, and that is what our group struggled with the most. We missed large amounts of class time so it was very difficult to stay on track with our work. This project ended up taking much longer than it should have. Next time I could use better leadership skills to help make sure my group stays on track. That way we could get the project done much quicker.
The most difficult part of this project was managing the chaotic schedule, and that is what our group struggled with the most. We missed large amounts of class time so it was very difficult to stay on track with our work. This project ended up taking much longer than it should have. Next time I could use better leadership skills to help make sure my group stays on track. That way we could get the project done much quicker.