Nucleosynthesis: Formation of Elements in the Universe

Nucleosynthesis

Study of nuclear processes forming elements.

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

Formation of light elements shortly after Big Bang.

Stellar Nucleosynthesis

Element formation in stars from helium to iron.

Supernova Nucleosynthesis

Creation of heavy elements during supernova explosions.

Hydrogen

Lightest element, 73% of universe's mass.

Helium

Second most abundant element, 25% of universe's mass.

Dark Matter

Invisible substance making up 72% of universe.

Oxygen

Most abundant element on Earth, 49.5% of crust.

Silicon

Second most abundant element on Earth, 28%.

Aluminum

Third most abundant element on Earth, 8%.

Iron

Key element formed in stellar nucleosynthesis.

Deuterium

Hydrogen isotope formed during Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Helium-3

Isotope produced in Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Helium-4

Stable helium isotope formed in Big Bang.

Lithium-7

Produced during Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Tritium

Unstable hydrogen isotope formed in Big Bang.

Beryllium-7

Radioactive isotope produced in Big Bang.

Nuclear Fusion

Process where smaller nuclei combine to form larger nuclei.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Energy released during nuclear fusion.

Iron-56

Heaviest element formed in stellar nucleosynthesis.

Star

Hot ball of gas undergoing nuclear fusion.

Cosmology

Study of the universe's origin and evolution.

Primordial Nucleosynthesis

Early formation of light elements post-Big Bang.

Nuclear Reactions

Processes that lead to element formation.

Element Abundance

Distribution of elements in the universe.

Element Stability

Resistance of elements to decay or change.

Nebula

Cloud of gas where stars form.

Supernova

Explosive death of a star, releasing energy.

Type I Supernova

Occurs in white dwarfs, involves carbon fusion.

Type II Supernova

Core collapse explosion of massive stars.

Core Collapse

Inward gravitational pressure exceeds thermal pressure.

Electron Degeneracy

Electrons occupy the same energy levels.

Neutron Capture

Process of capturing neutrons to form heavier nuclei.

Proton Capture

Process of capturing protons to form heavier nuclei.

Valley of Stability

Graph showing stable nuclei versus unstable ones.

Isotopes

Atoms with same protons, different neutrons.

Nucleons

Collective term for protons and neutrons.

Nuclear Stability

Ability to retain nuclear state over time.

Radioactive Decay

Process by which unstable nuclei disintegrate.

Chemical Properties

Characteristics determined by electron arrangement.

Artificial Elements

Elements created in particle accelerators.

Heavy Nuclei

Nuclei with a large number of protons and neutrons.

Solar Mass

Standard unit of mass in astronomy, equivalent to Sun's mass.

Spectral Emission

Light emitted by elements, used to classify supernovae.

Energy Input

Required for forming elements heavier than iron.

Subatomic Particles

Protons, neutrons, and electrons that compose atoms.

Chemical Elements

Basic substances composed of atoms with specific properties.

Periodic Table

Arrangement of elements based on atomic number.