Physical Science

Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Exploring the Formation of
Elements During Stellar
Formation and Evolution
Physical Science
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Exploring the Formation of Elements During Stellar Formation
and Evolution
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Authors: Beverly Joy O. Lorenzo
Editors: Joey H. Villanueva, Arlene C. Malaybalay
Reviewers: Tommy R. Rico, Emiterio D. Macarubbo, Maricris N. Surigao
Illustrator: Daniel A. Lorenzo
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Jennifer Vivas, CLMD Chief
Dennis M. Mendoza, Regional EPS in-charge of LRMS
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Jocelyn M. Aliñab, CID Chief
Tommy R. Rico, Division in-charge of LRMS
and Division ADM Coordinator

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 Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Exploring the Formation of
Elements During Stellar
Formation and Evolution
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Physical Science Grade 11/12 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM)
Module with the topic on formation of heavier elements during star formation and
evolution, and synthesis of new elements in the laboratory!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed, and reviewed by educators to

assist you, the teacher or facilitator, in helping the learners meet the standards set
by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic
constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Physical Science 11/12 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module with
the topic on formation of heavier elements during star formation and evolution,
and synthesis of new elements in the laboratory!

Our hands are one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often used
to depict skill, action, and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be able to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lessons. If you get all the answers correct
(100%), you may decide to skip this module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity, or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentences/paragraphs to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson.

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 What I Can Do This section provides an activity that will help
you transfer your new knowledge or skill I
into real-life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain a deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is to help you
master the formation of heavier elements during star formation and evolution, and
synthesis of new elements in the laboratory. The scope of this module permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course.

The module consists of one lesson only:

• Lesson 1 – Formation of Elements During Stellar Formation and Evolution

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the formation of heavier elements during the formation and
evolution of stars;
2. Cite astronomical evidence which justifies the formation of elements during
stellar formation and evolution;
3. Appreciate the importance of the discovery of atomic number which led
to the synthesis of new elements in the laboratory.

Notes to the Teacher

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 What I Know

DIRECTIONS: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following asserts that stars are formed when a dense region of
molecular cloud collapse?
a. Big Bang Theory c. Creation Theory
b. Evolution Theory d. Star Formation Theory
2. Which refers to the fragments of clouds that contract and form a stellar core?
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
3. What will be formed when a protostar attains its gravitational equilibrium?
a. Main sequence star c. Supernova
b. Red Giant d. White dwarf
4. Where do hydrogen and helium fuse in a main sequence star?
a. Core b. Crust c. Inner core d. Mantle
5. Helium will be converted into what after its fusion with two more helium atoms?
a. Argon b. Carbon c. Chlorine d. Oxygen
6. When a star has used up all the hydrogen in its core, hydrogen will be converted into
helium in the layer immediately surrounding the core. What stage of star formation
is this?
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
7. During red giant formation, what element will be produced by the fusion of oxygen with
helium?
a. Helium b. Hydrogen c. Neon d. Silicon
8. During red giant formation, what element will be produced by the fusion of neon with
helium?
a. Carbon b. Magnesium c. Manganese d. Silicon
9. During red giant formation, what element will be produced by the fusion of silicon with
another silicon atom?
a. Argon b. Boron c. Iron d. Gold
10. At what stage does the outer covering of a star blow due to insufficient energy?
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
11. What will happen to a star if its core can no longer produce the needed energy?
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
12. Who predicted new elements based on the atomic number of known elements?
a. Ernest Rutherford b. John Newlands c. Henry Mosely d. Plato
13. What type of nuclear reaction emits a particle with two protons and two neutrons?
a. Alpha emission b. Beta emission c. Gamma emission d. Fusion
14. What type of nuclear reaction emits electrons?
a. Alpha emission b. Beta emission c. Gamma emission d. Fission
15.What type of nuclear reaction emits gamma rays?
a. Alpha emission b. Beta emission c. Gamma emission d. Fusion

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 Lesson
Formation and Synthesis of
1 Heavier Elements
“In one of the most inhospitable places in our galaxy, stars have prevailed. It appears that star
formation is much more tenacious than we previously believed.”

-Sergei Nayakshin

What’s In

DIRECTIONS: Demonstrate understanding of primordial elements formation by

completing the table below.

Elements Reactants 1 Reactants 2 Nuclear Reaction

Deuterium
Tritium
Helium (Stable)
Lithium

What’s New

Stellar Word Puzzle

Directions: Encircle and write down the words which are related to star and element
formation. In addition, expand your vocabulary by finding the meaning of the
encircled words and relate them to your prior knowledge.

N U C L E O S Y N T H E S I S G B E T A
S D A J L H Y D R O G E N A L P H A I I
T U T H E L I U M S U N S T A B L E A B
A S O R M N U C L E U S N U C L E I D T
R T M D E F U S I O N R A D I A T I O N
C O C H N F I S S I O N G A M M A S G N
F I V R T P R O T O S T A R M H D R S V
H F L F S U P E R N O V A G J D H T A C

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 What is It

Evolution of Stars and the Formation of Heavier Elements

Star formation theory states that
stars are formed when a dense region of
molecular cloud collapses. During this
process, fragments of clouds contract
and form a stellar core known as
protostar. The contraction and
gravitational force of the protostar result
in an increase in temperature which
triggers nuclear reaction within the star
upon reaching 10 million Kelvin.
Throughout the reaction, neutrinos and
positrons are released, slowing down the
reaction. Once the contraction stops and
the protostar attains its gravitational equilibrium, a main sequence star will be
formed.

In the core of a main sequence star, hydrogen fuses with helium through
proton-proton chain. In addition, the gravitational force of a main sequence star forces
hydrogen and helium to fuse resulting to burning of the 2 primordial elements.
Furthermore, at this stage, helium is converted to carbon at the core while hydrogen
is converted into helium surrounding the core which denotes the formation of red
giant. On the other hand, since massive stars possess enough energy, mass,
temperature, and pressure, the star will undergo a series of stages where heavier
elements are fused around the shell of the core whereas carbon will be formed
through helium fusion, neon will be formed through oxygen fusion, magnesium
from neon fusion, silicon from magnesium fusion, and iron from silicon fusion
which denotes the formation of red giant.

Considering that the majority of helium surrounding the core has been
converted into carbon, the rate of reaction will decrease causing the gravitational
force to act squeezing the entire star. With low mass stars, considering that the
amount of energy is not enough to sustain the reaction, and that the star’s fuel has
been exhausted, the outer material covering the star will eventually be blown-off
leaving an inert carbon core resulting to the formation of white dwarf.

The first 3 minutes of Big Bang focused primarily on the expansion and cooling
of universe so as to the synthesis of the first three elements. On the other hand, the
second cosmological event is Stellar nucleosynthesis, a process in which heavier
elements such as Beryllium (4Be) and Iron (26Fe) were formed by combining protons
and neutrons from the nuclei of a lighter elements.

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 Moreover, under the process of stellar nucleosynthesis, heavier elements are
created in different types of stars as they die or explode and the abundance of these
elements change as the stars evolve.

Stable Helium reacts with Carbon to produce oxygen and gamma rays under
extreme gravitational force and temperature. Oxygen as the product of the initial
reaction then reacts with Helium to form Neon and gamma rays
(42He + 168O 2010Ne + 00γ). The third reaction involves carbon reacting

with another Carbon forming Magnesium and gamma ray

( 6C +
12 12 6C 24 12Mg + 0 0γ). On the other hand, Oxygen to Oxygen

fusion will create Silicon, alpha particle (Helium) and gamma rays as product.
(168O + 168O 28 14Si + 42He + 00γ). The process will continue to form

heavier elements from lighter ones, but not heavier than Iron with atomic mass of
26. Lastly, supernova happens when the core can no longer produce the needed
energy to resist gravitational force, leading to its explosion and release of large
amounts of energy.

Pieces of Evidence
One remarkable evidence to support stellar nucleosynthesis and star
formation theory is the discovery of interstellar dusts and gasses which justifies the
stages of stellar formation which are happening across the universe. In addition,
infrared radiation being emitted in the process of stellar formation serves as a strong
indication that stellar nucleosynthesis is a concurrent with stellar formation and
evolution.

Atomic Number and Synthesis of New Elements

Throughout history, scientist have been working on a periodic organization of
elements as to their properties and to predict new elements. This is because
understanding the properties of these known elements will provide them a pattern
which would help them discover new elements. Henry Gwyn Jeffreys Mosely an
English chemist arranged the elements in the periodic table by using atomic number
as basis. This allowed him to identify and predict any element considering the
number of protons which is equal to the atomic number. In addition, he emphasized
that adding proton to an element increases its atomic number and that new element
will be formed.

Nuclear Reaction
Alpha Emission: a particle with two protons and two neutrons is emitted resulting to a
lighter new element. 23892 U 23490 Th + 42 He

Beta Emission: a neutron becomes a proton, and an electron will be ejected resulting to
a new element with the same mass. 13153 I 13154 Xe + 0-1 e

Gamma Emission: gamma ray will be emitted when a radioactive nuclide leaves a
nucleus in an excited state. 13756 Ba 13756 Ba + γ-photon.

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 What’s More

Activity 1 Stellar Products

Directions: Based on your understanding about the formation of heavier elements
during stellar nucleosynthesis, predict the reactants, and products which will be
formed by the following reactions inside the table.
Reactant Reactant Atomic # of Mass # of Chemical Equation Product
1 2 Reactant 2 Reactant 2
Helium Oxygen
Helium Neon
Helium Magnesium
Helium Silicon
Helium Sulfur
Helium Argon
Helium Calcium
Helium Titanium

Activity 2 Birth from the Stars

Directions: Identify the elements formed during the following stages of star formation
and evolution.
Stages What were the elements How were these elements
formed? formed?
Protostar
Main Sequence Star
Red Giant Star
White Dwarf
Supernova

Activity 3 It’s Okay Decay

Directions: Determine the type of chemical reaction in each item (a-emission, b-
emission, y-emission, fission, fusion). In addition, write the product of the following
chemical reactions on the space provided for product side.

1. 15 32P  1632S +

2. 92238U  90234Th +

3. 90234Th  90234Th +

4. 53131I  54131Xe +

5. 88 226Ra  86222Rn +

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 What I Have Learned

1. Gamma Ray is electromagnetic radiation with a relatively short wavelength

emitted during gamma decay and other reactions.
2. Radio Active Nuclei refers to an unstable nucleus that spontaneously emits
particles and energy throughout the radioactive decay process.
3. Supernova is a star that blows apart and releases a large amount of energy.
4. Star formation theory proposes that stars were formed due to the collapsing of a
dense region of molecular clouds.
5. Stellar nucleosynthesis refers to the process by which elements are formed
within the star during star formation and evolution.

What I Can Do

Directions: Based on your understanding of this module, analyze and answer the
following questions regarding element formation during star formation and synthesis
of new elements in the laboratory.

1. Describe the formation of primordial elements during the early stage of stellar
formation and evolution.
2. Compare and contrast the elements formed by a small star and a massive star.
3. Describe the role being played by gravitational force in the creation of new
elements.
4. Discuss the pieces of evidence used by scientists to explain the formation of
heavier elements during stellar formation and evolution.
5. How did the discovery of atomic number revolutionize how we view the periodic
table of elements as a tool in predicting new elements?
6. Describe how elements in the laboratory are synthesized.
7. Discuss how the elements formed in the star reached distant places/galaxies?
8. How did the discovery of atomic number pave the way to the synthesis of new
elements in the laboratory?

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 Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. When helium atoms fuse, Helium will be converted to .

a. Argon b. Carbon c. Chlorine d. Oxygen
2. will be formed when protostar attains its gravitational equilibrium.
a. Main sequence star c. Supernova
b. Red Giant d. White dwarf
3. Hydrogen and helium fuse at the of a main sequence star.
a. Core b. Crust c. Inner core d. Mantle
4. will be produced by silicon fusion during red giant formation.
a. Argon b. Boron c. Iron d. Gold
5. predicted new elements based on the atomic number of known elements.
a. Ernest Rutherford b. John Newlands c. Henry Mosely d. Plato
6. will be produced by oxygen fusion during red giant formation.
a. Helium b. Hydrogen c. Neon d. Silicon
7. During the formation of a _____ hydrogen will be converted into helium in the layer
surrounding the core.
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
8. states that stars are formed when a dense region of molecular cloud
collapse.
b. Big Bang Theory c. Creation Theory
c. Evolution Theory d. Star formation Theory
9. Two protons and two neutrons will be emitted during decay.
a. Alpha b. Beta c. Gamma d. Fusion
10. will happen to a star if its core can no longer produce the needed energy.
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
11. will be produced by neon fusion during red giant formation.
a. Carbon b. Magnesium c. Manganese d. Silicon
12. Gamma ray will be emitted during decay.
a. Alpha b. Beta c. Gamma d. Fusion
13. When the fragments of clouds contract, a stellar core known as is formed.
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf
14. Electron will be emitted during decay.
a. Alpha b. Beta c. Gamma d. Fission
15. During stage the outer covering of star will blow due to insufficient energy.
a. Protostar b. Red giant c. Supernova d. White dwarf

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 Additional Activities

Directions: Write the balanced nuclear reaction of the following elements under
alpha, beta and gamma decay.

ELEMENT RADIO ACTIVE DECAY BALANCED CHEMICAL REACTION

ALPHA DECAY
Uranium
BETA DECAY
235
GAMMA DECAY

ELEMENT RADIO ACTIVE DECAY BALANCED CHEMICAL REACTION

Uranium 238 ALPHA DECAY
Carbon 14 BETA DECAY
Barium 137 GAMMA DECAY

Answer Key
References
Bayo-ang, Roly., Coronacion, Maria Lourdes., Jorda, Annamae., & Restubog, Anna
Jamille. Physical Science for Senior High School (1st edition). Quezon City: Educational
Resources Corporation, 2017.
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