The Cosmic Forge - How Elements are Created in Stars

What did the universe begin with?

• The Big Bang

• The Great Expansion

• The Cosmic Burst

• The Stellar Formation

Initially, the universe was incredibly ______ and ______.

• hot, dense

• cold, sparse

• bright, empty

• dark, full

As the universe cooled, the first elements formed. Which element has atomic number 1?

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Lithium

• Beryllium

As the universe cooled, the first elements formed. Which element has atomic number 2?

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Lithium

• Beryllium

Nuclear fusion in stars releases enormous amounts of ______.

• energy

• light

• heat

• sound

Massive stars can create ______ elements due to higher core temperatures and pressures.

• heavier

• lighter

• gaseous

• liquid

What is the last element produced through fusion in stars?

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Iron

• Carbon

Fusing iron requires more _______ than it releases.

• Energy

• Heat

• Pressure

• Light

Supernovae spread newly formed elements into _______.

• Space

• Stars

• Planets

• Galaxies

Each generation of stars _______ the galaxy with heavier elements.

• Depletes

• Enriches

• Destroys

• Ignores