The most abundant elements in the universe are a. hydrogen and helium b. hydrogen and carbon c. helium and oxygen
During its life, a star can’t use nuclear fusion to create a. helium b. iron c. gold
Heavy elements can be made in a collision between two a. planets b. comets c. neutron stars
Discussion/essay questions
Scientists are beginning to experiment with nuclear fusion as a possible power source. Current nuclear power plants use a process called nuclear fission, which does not produce as much energy. What do you think about nuclear power? Do you think it will help or harm the environment? Why?
Transcript
The simplest chemical elements in the universe, hydrogen and helium, originally formed during the Big Bang. These are the most abundant elements out there. The cores of stars can make more helium through a process called nuclear fusion, where enough energy forces the centres of atoms together to make more complex atoms. Other light elements, like oxygen and carbon, also originate from this process. Iron is the heaviest element that a star can fuse. This usually happens near the very end of the star’s life. There are two ways that heavier elements are made. The first is when stars, especially massive stars, collapse and die. The second is in a collision between two extremely dense star remnants, called neutron stars. These events create enough energy to fuse elements like lead and gold.
Nuclear fusion is a type of reaction that turns one chemical element into another. The Sun and other use nuclear fusion as a form of power. In high enough , the nucleus of an atom can be separated from its electrons. The heat causes the nucleus to move very quickly. When two nuclei come close enough to each other, they fuse, forming a larger nucleus. This method allows stars to convert hydrogen atoms into helium atoms, and even more atoms after that. Nuclear fusion is a difficult to replicate on Earth, because it requires a lot of heat and pressure. However, many research groups around the world hope to find a way to use it as an source.
Comprehension questions
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Discussion/essay questions
Scientists are interested in nuclear fusion because it would be a clean and powerful energy source. Unlike the type of nuclear power we use today, nuclear fusion would not create dangerous waste. Can you think of any potential disadvantages to this type of energy?
Transcript
Nuclear fusion is a type of reaction that turns one chemical element into another. The Sun and other stars use nuclear fusion as a form of power. In high enough temperatures, the nucleus of an atom can be separated from its electrons. The heat causes the nucleus to move very quickly. When two nuclei come close enough to each other, they fuse, forming a larger nucleus. This method allows stars to convert hydrogen atoms into helium atoms, and even more complex atoms after that. Nuclear fusion is a difficult process to replicate on Earth, because it requires a lot of heat and pressure. However, many research groups around the world hope to find a way to use it as an energy source.
