Cosmic Chemistry

Cosmic Chemistry Project:

For our Cosmic Chemistry Project, we had to choose three different Tic-Tac-Toe spots (categories) that explained individual ideas that we learned throughout the unit. One part had to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay, another part had to portray the lifespan of the sun using evidence and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun's core to release energy (radiation), and the last part had to explain the Big Bang Theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and the composition of matter in the universe.

My group decided to choose the mathematical box to support our understanding of chemical equations involving nuclear transmutation, the verbal box to discuss the discovery of evidence to support the Big Bang Theory, and the visual box to explain the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy in the form of radiation and to explain how the stars are related to the origin of elements!

Content:

• cosmic chemistry- the study of the chemical composition of matter in the universe and the processes that led to those compositions. our whole project was based on this cosmic chemistry unit.

• subatomic particles- a particle smaller than an atom or a group of those particles. some examples are neutrons and protons which are found in the nucleus. an example of a cluster of these subatomic particles includes an alpha particle. we used these in the mathematical part of our project and when describing the makeup of atoms.

• nuclear fission- a reaction where the nucleus of an atom is split into to or more smaller nuclei or fragments. a very large amount of energy is released during this process. we used nuclear fission in our nuclear transmutation equations.

• nuclear fusion- a reaction where two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. we used nuclear fusion in our nuclear transmutation equations as well.

• radioactive decay- a process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. three of the most common types of radioactive decay are alpha, gamma, and beta decay. we used all of these in our mathematical problems too!

• half-life- the half-life of a radioactive isotope is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the radioactive isotope to decay. it is a characteristic constant and is caused by radioactive decay, therefore emitting radiation. we learned about this in our cosmic chemistry unit! Ex: 8 kg--> 4 kg--> 2 kg--> 1 kg--> 1/2 kg.........

• nuclear transmutation- the conversion of one chemical element or an isotope into another chemical element. nuclear transmutation occurs in any process where the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus of an atom is changed. our chemical mathematical equations were based on this.

• nucleosynthesis- the process that creates new atomic nuclei from pre-existing nucleons and nuclei. the first nuclei were formed through nuclear reactions in big bang nucleosynthesis right after the big bang. we talked about this when explaining the formation of new elements and atoms in our universe back then!

• alpha decay- a type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (helium nucleus) and decays into a different atomic nucleus, with a mass number that is reduced by four and an atomic number that is reduced by two. we used alpha decay in our nuclear transmutation equations.

• beta decay- this occurs when, in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other. a beta particle (fast energetic electron or positron) is emitted from the nucleus and unstable atoms obtain a more stable ratio of protons to neutrons. this was part of our chemical math equations as well.

• gamma decay- when a nucleus changes from a higher energy state to a lower energy state through the emission of a gamma ray photon. the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus does not change in this process. we used gamma decay in our nuclear transmutation problems too.

• big bang theory- the big bang is how astronomers explain the way the universe began. it is the idea that the universe began as just a single point, and then the cosmic explosion marked the beginning of the (still) expanding universe! we used the big bang theory when explaining the formation of our universe!

• supernova- a powerful and luminous star explosion that happens when a star's nuclear fusion cannot hold the core against its own gravity. the core then collapses and explodes! these supernovae create new atomic nuclei because of how powerful they are! we talked about supernovae when learning about the early developing stages of our universe.

Reflection:

During this Cosmic Chemistry project, I got to work with people I had never worked with before and I learned some valuable group skills. My group was Kate O'hara, Jesse Chi, and Katie Cook, which was probably the most fun group I have ever been with. Although this meant we got along very well and had a blast working, it also led to a lot of goofing off and not using our time efficiently. We ended up getting almost everything done on time, except for our recorded podcast. The actual process for the project went smoothly though and we definitely enjoyed the two weeks we had to work on it!

Throughout this unit and assignment, I have learned that I am good at collaboration and communication. My group and I collaborated really well and helped each other with everything. We asked questions and participated in a ton. For the project, I collaborated with Jesse by solving the math equations and filming our explanation video together. For the podcast, all of my group collaborated as well and helped complete the verbal part of the task about the Big Bang Theory. As for communication, we had a group chat that we made so that we could communicate ideas and respond to each other outside of the classroom too. My communication skills this project were profound for that reason, and just being with people I already knew made it that much easier to talk to and get along with them all.

However, two categories I can definitely improve upon is critical thinking and conscientious learning. For this project I didn't really need to critically think that much since I mainly contributed mathematically. But, when I could've critically thought, I didn't do it very well. Instead of solving difficult problems on my own, I immediately asked questions or asked for help. Next project I will try my best to think on my own and not ask for help until I know for sure that I don't understand it. Another area that I could've improved on was my conscientious learning skills. My group and I didn't manage our time very well, which ended up being a problem for us. We worked on our project when we got the chance in class, but we waited until the last few days before we started doing things at home. We ended up turning in our podcast a day late, so now that we know better, we will definitely not make the same mistake again and make sure to plan everything accordingly (within our time frame).