SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Physical Science
Module 1
Title: Formation of Light
Elements in the Universe
Science – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Formation of Light Elements in the Universe

First Edition, 2020

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 11

Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Formation
of Light Elements in the
Universe
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Physical Science Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on The
formation of light elements in the universe!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions 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 into 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

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

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.

2
For the learner:

Welcome to the Physical Science Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on The
formation of light elements in the universe!
The hand is one of the most symbolized part 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 enabled 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
lesson to take. 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

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

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 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 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 here to help you
understand the formation of light elements in the universe!

The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons
are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which
you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The module is divided into three lessons, namely:

• Lesson 1 – Cosmology of the big bang model.
• Lesson 2 - Overview of the proof for the big bang model.
• Lesson 3 – Reactions involving the nucleosynthesis of the first elements.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Give evidence for and explain the formation of light elements in the big bang
theory.
2. Enumerate the steps involved in the nuclear fusion and model them.
3. Recognize the role played by nuclear fusion in stars and how it affects our
everyday lives

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 What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. What is the term referred to the process that creates new atomic nucleus from
preexisting nucleons , primarily protons and neutrons?
a. nuclear fusion
b. nuclear reaction
c. nuclear synthesis
d. nucleosynthesis

2. What is the term referred to the process by which light nuclei fuse together to
form a heavier nucleus?
a. nuclear fusion
b. nuclear reaction
c. nuclear synthesis
d. nucleosynthesis

3. It is a theory that explains that the universe started as a very dense and hot
“singularity” which eventually cooled and began to form different particles?
a. big bang theory
b. cosmic inflation theory
c. oscillating theory
d. steady state theory

4. What was formed as the universe expanded and cooled down?

a. electron
b. neutron
c. proton
d. subatomic particles

5. What is formed when there is a fusion of a proton and neutron in big bang
nucleosynthesis??
a. deuterium
b. protium
c. tritium
d. hydrogen

6. What is formed when there is a fusion of two deuterium nuclei in big bang
nucleosynthesis?
a. Helium-3
b. Hydrogen
c. neutron
d. one neutron and helium-3

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7. What are the conditions in the universe so that a nuclear fusion could occur?
a. high energy
b. high energy and temperature
c. high temperature
d. moderate conditions

8. What is formed when there is fusion of deuterium and tritium?

a. Helium-2
b. Helium-3
c. Helium-4
d. Helium-4 and neutron

9. What is the term referred to form of an element that has the same atomic
number of the original element but with different atomic mass or mass
number?
a. elements
b. heavy elements
c. isotopes
d. light elements

10. The following light elements were formed in the big bang nucleosynthesis?
a. H, He, Be, C
b. He, H, Be, Li
c. Li, H, He, Na
d. Fe, H, He, Be

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 Lesson
Formation of Light
1 Elements in the Universe
The big bang theory is the leading explanation about how the universe began 13.8
billion years ago. This theory explains that the universe started as a very dense and
hot state that expanded rapidly.

This rapid expansion caused the universe to cool down and become less dense
forming new particles, the protons, neutrons and electrons. As it cooled down and
these particles formed, the universe entered the phase called nucleosynthesis.
Nucleosynthesis is the process that creates new atomic nucleus from preexisting
nucleons , primarily protons and neutrons.

What’s In

How was the universe formed?

How do we use the periodic table of elements?

Notes to the Teacher

It is significant that learners had background on formation of
universe and the use of periodic table of elements, in particular
aside from the familiarization of name and symbol of elements they
need to have been familiarized to distinguish which element is
lighter and heavier and the basis for such distinction particularly
the atomic no. and the atomic mass.

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 What’s New

Cosmology and the Big Bang model

Cosmology is the study of how the universe began, how it continue to exist, and how
it will end. Different religions and cultures have different interpretations about
cosmology based on their beliefs. Do you think there is a proof that any of these
cosmologies are true?
Science brings forth a cosmological theory not from beliefs but from scientific
evidence that universe once began to expand and continues to expand until today.
This theory is called the Big Bang theory or Big Bang model. Astronomers George
Lemaitre and Edwin Hubble were some of its proponents. George Lemaitre is also a
catholic priest but he did not find his theory or science incompatible with his religion.
Why is it that some people think that science goes against what they believe in?

Key stages of the Big Bang model

There are five key stages in the Big Bang model

Figure 1.1 Big bang Timeline

Source: https://www.rankred.com/dark-matter-may-have-existed

a. The universe may have begun as an infinitely hot and dense initial singularity, a
point with all of space, time, matter and energy. There is no space around the
singularity.

b. Then it began to rapidly expand in a process called inflation. Space itself

expanded faster than a speed of light. In this still hot and dense mass of the universe,
pairs of matter and antimatter (quarks and antiquarks were formed from energy, but
these cancelled each other back into energy (annihilation).

c. The universe cooled down as it expanded. An excess of matter – electrons, protons

and neutrons and other particles came to be in a highly energetic state. Photons
(light particles) are being scattered everywhere. Protons and neutrons came together

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to form different types of nuclei through the process called nucleosynthesis and
nuclear fusion.

d. Later on, electrons started to bind to ionize protons and nuclei forming neutral
atoms in a process called recombination. The bound particles no longer scattered
photons so light and energy moved freely across the space. This period is called “dark
ages”.

e. Gravity caused these atoms to collapse onto one another to form stars and galaxies
and other matter. This still happens until today. Space continue to expand at an
accelerating rate.

Cosmic Inflation
This refers to the expansion of the universe. How does the universe expand? Could
you imagine if the earth is expanding meaning becoming bigger, would you think we
are now more nearer to the sun? If we go nearer to the sun, what will happen to us?
The expansion of the universe can be explained in an illustration in inflating a
balloon. Figure 1.2 below, illustrates how the universe expands, in what directions
it is going into and to how much bigger is the expansion.

In the figure, the circle is the balloon represents the universe, the stickers are the
galaxies. Galaxies are group or cluster of stars including planets. Our planet earth,
the solar system, belongs to one cluster or galaxy called the milky way. We belong
to milky way. There are so many billions of galaxies in the universe

Activity 1: Expansion of the Universe

1. Start with a balloon at its normal which means no air inside. Paste a small
rounded stickers in 1 cm or 2cm apart. Notice the distances from each other,
designate a letter to identify the reference points (ist circle).
2. Blow the balloon to at least half in size, notice the positioning of the stickers from
each other, notice the distances (2nd circle). Observe
3. Do the stickers appear to be moving away from each other? Are the stickers moving
across the balloons? Do the stickers grow in size?
4. Blow again the balloon to its fullest, notice again the positioning of the stickers
from each other, notice the distances 3rd circle).
5. Did the positioning of the stickers (galaxies) from each which varies? by how
much?
6. What is the direction of expansion?
7. Back to the question, would you think during the expansion the distances of the
planet changes? Like our distance to the sun Yes or No, why?

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 Figure 1.2

8. What can you conclude about the expansion of the universe based on the
activity?
9. Write your observation and answers in your notebook

Overview on the proof of a big bang model

What are the proofs that there was really a big bang?

1.Redshift is the first evidence of the big bang model. Using different instrument can
enable us to detect the light of other galaxies. It was found out that the light of
galaxies is found to be redshifted (the light looks “stretched”) which suggests that
galaxies are moving away from each other (red light has a longer wavelength which
shows going away compared to blue light we see in the skies with a shorter
wavelength which means nearer). It was later determined that they are not moving
away instead space itself is expanding in all directions causing all the galaxies to be
relatively farther apart.
2.The relative abundance of light elements in the universe is the second evidence
to prove. Through measurements, we find that around 24% of the universe’s ordinary
matter is currently comprised of helium, about 74% hydrogen and 2% of other
elements. These figures only make sense if nucleosynthesis in the big bang model
actually occurred since no chemical process significantly changes these percentages.
3.Cosmic Microwave background or the energy (thermal radiation) that was left as
a result of recombination. Atoms became neutral due to the binding of nuclei and
electrons. The remaining radiation began to scatter. This is seen by scientists as a
faint microwave glow emitted by any object in space.

The Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

Nucleosynthesis is the process that creates new atomic nucleus from preexisting
nucleons, primarily protons and neutrons. Big bang nucleosynthesis in physical
cosmology refers to the production of nuclei other than H-1, the normal, light
hydrogen, during the early phases of the universe, shortly after the big bang. How
does free proton (p+) and neutron (n) would combine and separate from each other
due to the high energies at that time?
The composition of nuclei is given below in Figure 1.3. D and T are isotopes of
hydrogen namely deuterium and tritium respectively, other elements are helium,
beryllium and lithium. Isotopes are form of an element that has the same atomic
number of the original element but with a different atomic mass or mass number.
For Hydrogen there are three isotopes namely protium (P), deuterium (D) and tritium
(T).

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 Figure 1.3 Composition of nuclei

Due to rapid cooling due to expansion, nucleosynthesis halted for about three
minutes after the big bang occurred which left mostly of hydrogen(H) isotopes
(P,D,T), helium (He) isotopes and a very tiny bit of other elements like lithium(Li) and
beryllium(Be). The relative abundance of He and H did not change much today.

Two nuclear reactions are happened during big bang nucleosynthesis(Fig.1.4).

1.combination of proton (p) and neutron (n) produces deuterium (D) nuclei and
and gamma (γ) rays.
p+ + n = D + (γ) , ( D is composed of 1p and 1n).
(p + n)
2. Then two deuterium nuclei combine to form one neutron and helium-3(³He) that
has two protons and one neutron.
D + D = ³He +n
(p + n) (p +n) ( 2p +n)

The two equations reaction above shows a balanced equation of the reactants at the
left with the product at the right. Which means the no. of p and n on both sides of
the equation is the same.

Figure 1.4
Source: http://www.einstein-nline.info/images/spotlights/BBNI/pn_to_he3.gif
These are not the only reactions that occurred but these were the most significant

Nuclear Fusion
The energy and temperature of the universe are extremely high to cause the neutrons
and protons to combine and form species of atomic nuclei in a process called nuclear
fusion. Nuclear fusion is a type of nuclear reaction in which the light nuclei fuse
together to form a heavier nucleus. When this happens, a tremendous amount of
energy is released.

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An example of nuclear fusion (Figure 1.5): deuterium (with one neutron and one
proton) fuses with tritium (with one proton and two neutrons) producing a helium
nuclei and a neutron, and releasing energy.
In equation, D + T = 4He + n
(p + n) (p + 2n) (2p +2n)

Check: 2p + 3n = 2p + 3n

Figure 1.5
Source: https://chem.linretexts.org/bookshelves/…/Fission _and _Fusion

Formation of light elements

Light elements which includes Hydrogen (H), Helium (He), and small amounts of
Beryllium (Be) and Lithium( Li) were formed through nuclear fusion in the big bang
nucleosynthesis. The isotopes produced were H-1, H-2, H-3, He-4 and Li-7. After
fusion, the total mass of the light nuclei formed in the fusion process is less than the
total mass of the nuclei that fused. Nuclear fusion reactions are accompanied with
tremendous release of energy.

Figure 1.6
Figure 1.6 shows the nuclear equation for the fusion reactions that took place during
the big bang nucleosynthesis. These main nuclear reactions were responsible for the
abundance of lighter nuclei in the universe

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 What is It

The expansion of the universe means the expansion of space in between galaxies.
During expansion the galaxies are moving farther apart from each other
proportionately in all directions because it is the space in between them (galaxies)
that expands. While within the galaxy itself - stars, planets maintain its sizes and
distances from each other.

Three evidences proved that big bang existed as this is the most leading theory. Three
minutes after big bang, particles, electrons, protons and neutrons and other
particles combine to form different nuclei through nuclear fusion and
nucleosynthesis. Then this light nuclei combine again forming light elements such
as H, He, Be and Li.

Important first reactions in big bang nucleosynthesis are:

1.combination of proton and neutron produces deuterium.

2.two deuterium produces Helium-3
3. combination of tritium and deuterium produces Helium-4

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 What’s More

Activity 1.1- Multiple Choice

Direction: Select the best answer. Write the letter on a separate answer sheet.
1. It refers to a process in the stages of the big bang model wherein protons and
neutrons came together to form different types of nuclei?
a. big bang singularity
b. inflation
c. nucleosynthesis
d. recombination

2. It refers to a process in the stages of the big bang model wherein the universe
rapidly expand?
a. big bang singularity
b. inflation
c. nucleosynthesis
d. recombination

3. It refers to the first stage of the big bang model wherein it begun as an
infinitely hot and dense?
a. big bang singularity
b. inflation
c. nucleosynthesis
d. recombination

4. It refers to a process in the stages of the big bang model wherein electrons
started to bind to ionize protons and nuclei forming neutral atoms?
a. big bang singularity
b. inflation
c. nucleosynthesis
d. recombination

5. Arrange the stages of the big bang theory:

1-recombination 2- big bang singularity 3-inflation 4-nucleosynthesis
a. 2314
b. 2341
c. 3241
d. 3412

6. Which of these is true about the big bang model?

a. The singularity is an established, well-defined part of the model
b. Cosmic expansion stopped at some point in time
c. Part of its proof is the amounts of H and He we have in the universe today.
d. Part of its proof is the amounts of H and He we have in the universe today.

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 Activity 1.2 Irregular Crossword Puzzle
Direction: Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits its clue. Use a
separate answer sheet.

ACROSS

1- light nuclei fuse together to form to a heavier nucleus

2- subatomic particle with a positive charge
3- isotope of hydrogen with 1 proton and 1 neutron
4- the lightest element
5- isotope of hydrogen with I proton and 2 neutrons
6- with a negative charge
7- symbol for lithium
8- symbol for helium

DOWN

1- creates new atomic nucleus from preexisting nucleons

2- subatomic particle with a zero charge
3- symbol for beryllium
4- densely part of an atom containing p and n
5- ability to do work

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Activity 1.3 Fill in the blanks
Answer the following in a separate answer sheet

1. What are the four light elements formed in the big bang nucleosynthesis?
__________________________________________________________ .
2. What is formed when a proton and a neutron fuse?
___________________________________________________________ .
3. What is formed when 2 deuterium nuclei combine?
__________________________________________________________ .
4. What is formed when a deuterium fused to tritium?
__________________________________________________________ .
5. What is formed when a deuterium combines with helium-3?
__________________________________________________________

Activity 1.4 – Complete the nucleosynthesis reactions below

Given: Composition of each nuclei:

D= 1p+, 1n T=1p+,2n He3 = 2p+,1n He4 = 2p+,2n Be7 = 4p+,3n Li7 =
3p+,4n
1. p+ + n = _____+ γ
2. 3He + D = _____+ p+
3. Li + _____ = 2 4He
7

4. ____ + D =T + p+
5. ____ + ____ = 7 Be + γ

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 What I Have Learned

Complete the sentences.

1. Big bang nucleosynthesis is the formation of new atomic nucleus from

preexisting ______.
2. ______________ is a nuclear reaction wherein light nuclei fuse together to form
heavier nuclei.
3. __________ is a form of element that has the same atomic number but different
atomic mass.
4. __________ and __________ are isotope of Hydrogen.
5. The fusion of proton and neutron resulted to ______________ .
6. The fusion of two deuterium produces _____________ .
7. The fusion of deuterium and tritium resulted to _________ .
8. The light elements formed in big bang nucleosynthesis are ______, _______ ,
_________ and _________.
9. There are three evidences to prove that a big bang had occurred that is
____________,_____________ , and ____________ .
10. The expansion of the universe means expansion of __________ between
galaxies. Galaxies moves farther apart from each other proportionately in all
directions.

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 What I Can Do

What could happen if there is no nucleosynthesis and nuclear fusion ?

What could happen if there is no light elements formed.

Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the term referred to the process that creates new atomic nucleus from
preexisting nucleons, primarily protons and neutrons?
a. nuclear fusion
b. nuclear reaction
c. nuclear synthesis
d. nucleosynthesis

2. What is the term referred to the process by which light nuclei fuse together to
form a heavier nucleus?
a. nuclear fusion
b. nuclear reaction
c. nuclear synthesis
d. nucleosynthesis

3. It is a theory that explains that the universe started as a very dense and hot
”singularity ‘ which eventually cooled and began to form different particles?
a. big bang theory
b. cosmic inflation theory
c. oscillating theory
d. steady state theory

4. What was formed as the universe expanded and cooled down?

a. electron
b. proton
c. neutron
d. sub atomic particles
5. What is formed when there is a fusion of a proton and neutron in big bang
nucleosynthesis?
a. deuterium
b. hydrogen
c. protium
d. tritium

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6. What is formed when there is a fusion of two deuterium nuclei in big bang
nucleosynthesis?
a. helium-3
b. hydrogen
c. neutron
d. one neutron and helium-3

7. What are the conditions in the universe so that a nuclear fusion could occur?
a. high energy
b. high energy and temperature
c. high temperature
d. moderate conditions

8. What is formed when there is fusion of deuterium and tritium?

a. Helium-2
b. Helium-3
c. Helium-4
d. Helium-4 and neutron

9. What is the term referred to form of an element that has the same atomic
number of the original element but with different atomic mass or mass
number?
a. elements
b. heavy elements
c. isotopes
d. light elements

10. The following light elements were formed in the big bang nucleosynthesis?
a. H, He, Be, C
b. He, H, Be, Li
c. Li, H, He, Na
d. Fe, H, He ,Be

20
 Additional Activities

Do an advance reading on Nuclear fission. Compare and contrast between nuclear

fusion and nuclear fission by completing the Venn diagram below

Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission

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 22
What's More
What I Know Act.1.1 Assessment
1. c
1. d 2. b 1. d
2. a 3. a 2. a
3. a 4. d 3. a
4. d 5. b 4. d
5. a 6. c 5. a
6. d Act.1.2 6. d
7. b Across 7. b
8. d 1. Nuclear Fusion 8. d
9. c 2. proton 9. c
10.b 3. deuterium 10.b
4. Hydrogen
5. Tritium
6. Electron
7. Li
Down
1. nucleosynthesis
2 neutron
3. Be
4. nucleus
5.energy
Act.1.3
1.H, HE,Be, Li
2.deuterium
3.tritium+proton
4.Helium-4+n
5.Helium-4+p
Act.1.4
1.D
2.4He
3. p+
4.D
5. 23𝐻𝑒+ 24𝐻𝑒
Answer Key
References
Teaching Guide for senior high school Physical Science Published by the
Commission on Higher Education, 2016

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