Table 3.1 gives the relative cosmic abun- dances of the elements. Use the plot of binding energy per nucleon (Fig. 3.9) plus the astrophysics of nucleosynthesis to briefly explain the reasons that: (a) H is the most abundant element, and He is the second most abundant element. (b) C and O are far more abundant than are Li, Be and B. (c) Fe is more abundant (by mass) than any other element heavier than O.
Table 3.1 gives the relative cosmic abun- dances of the elements. Use the plot of binding energy per nucleon (Fig. 3.9) plus the astrophysics of nucleosynthesis to briefly explain the reasons that: (a) H is the most abundant element, and He is the second most abundant element. (b) C and O are far more abundant than are Li, Be and B. (c) Fe is more abundant (by mass) than any other element heavier than O.
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1LR
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Question
Transcribed Image Text:Fe Zn Kr
Mo
Te
C12
He
Sm
Lu
Hg
Ra
Be
Figure 3.9 The
binding
nucleon is shown as a
function of atomic weight.
For most elements, only
the most stable isotope
nuclear
energy
per
is plotted. Note
He, C and to a lesser
that
He
extent somewhat heavier
2
a-particle multiples lie
above the general curve,
indicating greater stability.
The peak occurs at Fe,
indicating that iron is
20
40
60
80
100 120 140 160
180 200
220 240
the most stable element.
Atomic mass
(Lunine 2005)
Table 3.1 gives the relative cosmic abun-
dances of the elements. Use the plot of
binding energy per nucleon (Fig. 3.9)
plus the astrophysics of nucleosynthesis to
briefly explain the reasons that:
(a) H is the most abundant element, and
He is the second most abundant element.
(b) C and O are far more abundant than are
Li, Be and B.
(c) Fe is more abundant (by mass) than any
other element heavier than O.
(d) Elemental abundances drop precip-
itously with increasing atomic number
above 26 (the atomic number of iron).
(e) Apart from H, elements with odd
atomic number are generally less abundant
than neighboring elements of even atomic
numbers.
Binding energy divided by atomic mass
(millions of electron volts)
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