ESCI A.S1.O1.A7 Heavy Elements

The amount of heavy elements is evidence that the universe is aging. When the first elements formed after the Big Bang about 92% of them were hydrogen (the rest was 8% helium and traces of lithium). Today we have about 74% hydrogen and 24% helium. The video explains how this change occurred and is still ongoing. Continue the assignment below after you have finished the video.

ESCI A.S1.O1.A7 The Elements – Forged in Stars VID   Links to an external site.

Some questions to consider:

• If the universe is aging did it have a beginning?
• If fusion in stars continues, what will happen to the amount of hydrogen and helium?
• How was the universe different in the past?
• How will it be different in the future?
• Where did the heavy elements that YOU are made out of come from?