Supernova Explosions
Adapted from Chandra X-Ray Center EPO ActivitiesSummary:
Students are reminded that the universe is made up of elements and that the heavier elements are created inside of a star. They are introduced to the life cycle of a star and how the mass of the star affects the process of fusion and the outcome of the star. The physical concept of balancing forces is discussed and an experiment is conducted to show what can happen to a soda can when the interior and exterior forces are not in equilibrium. An analogy is made between this experiment and core collapse in stars. Finally, it is demonstrated how mass can be ejected from a collapsed star. This is how the heavier elements are dispersed throughout the universe in a supernova explosion.
Purpose:
To understand the life cycle of a star and the origin of the heavy elements in the universe.
Audience:
~ 20 students (grade range 6th-9th) in a group works well
Objectives:
- Introduce the life cycle of a star
- Discuss the forces at work inside a star
- Understand the role of mass in determining the extent of fusion and the fate of a star
- Learn about core collapse of a star
- Simulate mass ejection and understand how to populate the universe with the heavy elements from the interior of stars during a supernova explosion
- colored balloons (1 of each of the following colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet)
- empty aluminum soda can
- hot plate (or Bunsen burner and screen/ring setup)
- large bowl of cold water
- tongs or oven mitts
- Hoberman sphere
- basketball (or soccer ball)
- tennis ball
Materials:
