18 Questions
What nuclear reactions during stellar evolution are responsible for synthesizing elements?
Triple alpha process
What temperature is required for helium fusion by the triple alpha process to convert three He atoms into C?
$100 \times 10^6K$
What happens to stars when their fuel is spent and they become unstable?
They explode in a supernova
How do new stars form from blown away debris of supernova explosions?
By forming clouds of gas that collapse to create new stars
What sources aid in the study of wavelength spectra emitted by stellar bodies?
Telescopes and satellites
Which elements are the most abundant in the solar system?
Hydrogen and Helium
Why are elements with even atomic numbers more abundant than their immediate neighbors with odd atomic numbers?
They are lighter elements and easier to form in stellar environments.
Why do Tc and Pm not occur naturally in the solar system?
They have unstable isotopes that decay rapidly.
Why does Fe have notably higher abundance compared to other elements with similar atomic numbers?
It is a product of supernova explosions, enriching its abundance.
How are differentiated meteorites distinct from undifferentiated meteorites?
They have experienced major chemical or physical changes since formation.
Why do elements with atomic numbers greater than 83 (Bi) occur naturally at very low abundance?
They decay rapidly due to unstable isotopes.
What makes most meteorites believed to be derived from collisions of larger bodies in the asteroid belt?
Their fragments surviving passage through the Earth's atmosphere.
What is the major method used to discern rock type, especially in the case of volcanic and glassy rocks?
Whole rock geochemical analysis
Which two elements together make up over 70% of the Earth's crustal composition?
Oxygen and Silicon
In the Earth's crust, how many elements constitute more than 99.5% of its composition?
Nine elements
At what depth do we typically find the Earth's upper mantle, which is composed of olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase feldspar?
Around 400 km
Which region of the Earth's interior is likely to be richer in Iron compared to the upper mantle?
Lower Mantle
What are the two main components of Earth's core in terms of elemental composition?
Iron and Nickel
Test your knowledge on the formation of elements in the solar system and the abundance of different chemical components. Learn about nuclear reactions during stellar evolution and theories of nucleosynthesis. Explore how stars evolve based on their hydrogen/helium ratios.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
