Cosmic chemistry

Major Concepts

Evidence for the Big bang theory :

Microwave background information: The cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation is evidence for the big bang, thought to be leftover radiation from the incident, proving the purposed idea that when the universe was conceived it underwent extreme inflation and rapid expansion.

Redshift: The Doppler red-shift of light observed from distant stars and galaxies gives evidence that the universe is expanding (moving away from a central point). This allows for Big Bang Theory because after a “bang” occurs all of the matter moves away from the point of origin, just as the redshift’s red light does, progressively getting further away from the point of origin and consequently increasing the light’s wavelength.

Elemental composition: The final piece of main evidence indicating the Big Bang Theory is the elemental composition of the Universe, being that it is about 99% hydrogen and helium which is predicted by the Big Bang Theory, and aligns with the theory behind how elements are formed (lighter elements being created by fusion of an element with an alpha particle).

Radioactive decay:

Alpha Decay:

Alpha decay is the form of radioactive decay in which an unstable atom releases an alpha particle (Helium particle) in order to lower its mass and gain stability. Alpha particles, or known as helium particles can be fused into or out of bigger particles.

Beta Decay:

Beta decay is the form of radioactive decay in which an unstable atom with an unstable ratio of neutrons to protons transforms a neutron into a proton and electron in order to change the ratio, expelling the electron in the form of a positron in order to maintain the same charge. In this process, a gamma-ray can also be released.

Gamma Decay:

Gamma decay is the process by which an unstable atom releases excess energy in the form of a gamma-ray, not changing the atomic composition of the atom but lowering its energy to a more stable place

Fusion:

Fusion is the combination of an atom’s nucleus with that of another atom (typically an alpha particle) in order to form a new element. This occurs inside stars, utilizing the extreme amounts of energy held within the stars from their gravity in order to power the fusion, consequently releasing significant amounts of energy seeing that the combined atom has less energy than the two separate ones, and energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Fission:

Fission is the process of splitting an atom into two different atoms through the use of immense force, sometimes alongside heat, in order to split apart the original atom, and this process also releases significant energy as well as a gamma photon.

Stars relation to the periodic table

Hydrogen to iron:

Stars are directly related to the creation of all elements lighter than Iron, in that within stars, the prior mentioned process called fusion occurs in which two stars are forced together through the star’s extreme gravitational force, fusing them together into a new atom, which is a process that works to create all atoms except for those heavier than iron.

Every element passed Iron

These elements are more difficult to create as they require more energy to fuse together and due to their need for large energy and mass they are created during a supernova. A supernova is when the outside atoms of the star become too heavy and fall onto the core of the sun through gravity whilst the star explodes all inner elements out, resulting in two opposing forces. This expulsion of so much energy and force can create new elements past iron as well as the rest of the periodic table, minus those created by humans through particle colliders.

Composition of the nucleus fo the atom:

the nucleus is comprised of protons and neutrons

Energy transfer mechanisms that allow energy from nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to reach earth:

the mechanisms of energy transfer that allow for the energy of nuclear fusion to reach the earth is the processes of radiation that occurs during fusion within the sun in which electromagnetic radiation is expelled from the sun, through space, typically in the form of visible light, eventually having some of it reach the earth’s atmosphere.