Cosmic Chemistry
Our Goal
Our team was given the task of creating three pieces that demonstrated our knowledge on cosmic chemistry after learning the material in class. The project needed to include the composition of the nucleus of an atom during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay, as well as the role of nuclear fission in the Sun's core to release energy in the form of radiation. My group of four decided on mathematical, artistic and musical models to present the information.
Evidence of Work
Below shows our three platforms in which we displayed our understanding of the unit. From the nuclear transmutation equations, we expressed how to balance nuclear equations from the decay of the nucleus. In the rap, we explained nuclear reactions including fission, fusion, and radioactive decay, as well as the composition of an atom. In the children's book, we described the Sun's core and the role of stars in the formation of the elements.
This slide show has images of our children's book about the lifespan of the Sun and the nuclear reactions within its core.
Concepts
Fission
A type of nuclear reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. A large amount of energy is released in this process. This process can be found in our mathematics and musical models.
Fusion
A type of nuclear reaction where two smaller nuclei fuse to make a larger, heavier nuclei. A large amount of energy is released to account for the lost mass.
This process can be found in all three of our models.
The Big Bang
The theory that states the entire universe came from a single, blistering point, before an explosion occurred, and all of its mass cooled as it expanded outwards. It explains that the universe is constantly expanding, even today!
The evidence for this theory:
The redshift of galaxies: refers to the red glow that is seen from galaxies outside our own, which indicates that they are moving away from us because when wavelengths get longer (and farther away) they appear red.
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): the faint glow of the first light left over from the Big Bang found throughout the universe.
The existence of elements: Light elements were found to be created in the first few moments after the Big Bang, while larger elements were created in the interiors of newer stars.
Radioactive Decay
This type of decay occurs when a nucleus becomes unstable, so the atom emits energy in the form of iodizing radiation to try and stabilize the nucleus.
Alpha Decay - ejects alpha particle, which is composed of two protons and two neutrons
Beta Decay - ejects a beta particle, which causes a proton in the nucleus to be converted into a neutron, or vice versa
Gamma Emission - unstable nucleus emits excess energy to stabilize
This concept can be found in our musical rap.
The nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons, which also give the atom mass
The amount of protons in an atom gives it an atomic number, which is how we identify different elements
Protons have a positive charge of one, while neutrons have a "neutral" or no charge
This concept is found in our rap, and was used to solve the math problems.
Atom Composition
Surrounding the nucleus are electron shells, which arrange the electrons in an atom based on energy levels
Valence electrons are those on the outermost shell of an atom, and they can help determine the periodic table group of an atom
Electrons have a negative charge of one, and help balance the charge of the nucleus
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, as well as their wavelengths and photon energies.
Ions
An atom with a different number of protons and electrons, resulting in a charge (positive - cation) (negative - anion).
Isotopic Notation
Includes the atomic number, atomic mass, element symbol, and charge. Below, the atomic number is 79, the mass is 196.97, the element symbol is Au (for gold), and there is no charge.
Reflection
Overall I feel good about this project as I understand most of the material fairly well and my group worked nicely together. My group consisted of Kelsey, Wesley, Nick, and me, and most of us were able to find a job to do and complete our tasks on time. Our unit on cosmic chemistry was interesting to learn about since I have never studied anything in this realm before.
Two things I did well on for this project were work ethic and leadership. I was able to complete large portions of the math and musical pieces and work consistently throughout the time period we were given. For example, I did about half of the math and recorded the Flipgrid explaining the process, and I also wrote about half of the song as well including the chorus. This behavior shows my efforts to becoming a conscientious learner. In addition to this, I was able to take on a leadership role in this process by encouraging my team to work together and create a cohesive project. For instance, as I was completing the mathematics portion, I suggested that some of the others began the artistic piece so that we did not waste any time. I also made sure to call Kelsey prior to the due date and remind her to complete the drawings for the children's book, as she had volunteered to. This consistent communication helped to keep our group on track.
Two aspects that could have been improved are reading the rubrics more carefully when planning the project and making sure every member of the group stayed on task. One thing my group overlooked on the rubric was the segment on the Big Bang Theory, this shows a lack of conscientious learning. While we all knew what the theory was and had it in mind going through the project, we misunderstood the prompt and set up of the options we were given. Although I communicated this issue with Ms. Vogl, in the future I will be sure to slow down in the planning steps of the project in order to hit all the correct points of the unit. Furthermore, there were times when not everyone in the group was fully focused and contributing to the final product, so in the future I will try and bring them in to the conversation more and provide additional encouragement.