DP Physics Questionbank

Description

Nature of science:

Observation and deduction: Observations of stellar spectra showed the existence of different elements in stars. Deductions from nuclear fusion theory were able to explain this. (1.8)

Understandings:

• The Jeans criterion
• Nuclear fusion
• Nucleosynthesis off the main sequence
• Type Ia and II supernovae

Applications and skills:

• Applying the Jeans criterion to star formation
• Describing the different types of nuclear fusion reactions taking place off the main sequence
• Applying the mass–luminosity relation to compare lifetimes on the main sequence relative to that of our Sun
• Describing the formation of elements in stars that are heavier than iron including the required increases in temperature
• Qualitatively describe the s and r processes for neutron capture
• Distinguishing between type Ia and II supernovae

Guidance:

• Only an elementary application of the Jeans criterion is required, ie collapse of an interstellar cloud may begin if 
• Students should be aware of the use of type Ia supernovae as standard candles

Aims:

• Aim 10: analysis of nucleosynthesis involves the work of chemists

Directly related questions

• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.18b: Explain how neutron capture can produce elements with an atomic number greater than iron.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ2.18a: Outline, with reference to the Jeans criterion, why a cold dense gas cloud is more likely to form...
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.18b.ii: State one assumption made in your calculation.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.18b.i: Show that the distance to the supernova is approximately 3.1 × 1018 m.
• 18M.3.HL.TZ1.18a: Describe the formation of a type Ia supernova.
• 17N.3.HL.TZ0.20a: The Sun is a second generation star. Outline, with reference to the Jeans criterion (MJ), how the...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.16c: Massive stars that have left the main sequence have a layered structure with different chemical...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.16b: In the proton–proton cycle, four hydrogen nuclei fuse to produce one nucleus of helium releasing...
• 17M.3.HL.TZ1.16a: Outline, with reference to star formation, what is meant by the Jeans criterion.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.24c: Explain how the observation of type Ia supernovae led to the hypothesis that dark energy exists.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.24b: Hence, explain why a type Ia supernova is used as a standard candle.
• 16N.3.HL.TZ0.24a: Describe how some white dwarf stars become type Ia supernovae.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.20b: Describe three differences between type Ia and type II supernovae.
• 16M.3.HL.TZ0.20a: State the Jeans criterion for star formation.
• 15N.3.HL.TZ0.2e.i: Outline why the Sun will leave the main sequence, and describe the nuclear processes that occur...
• 15N.3.HL.TZ0.2e.ii: Describe two physical changes that the Sun will undergo as it enters the red giant stage.