Nucleosynthesis - Wrapping Up Strong & Weak Forces

OPENING QUESTIONS:So it looks like the weak force conversations weren't such a big hit-- quite alright as that gets very, very far off into the weeds (as we say).

Which is to say I *did* say that I wasn't sure and I'd check in with both 3rd and 4th and we'll just stick with the strong force discussions we've had, and discuss the weak force conversations.

With that in mind (sorta?) let's put some definitive times associated with our BIG BANG 6 on the board.

OBJECTIVE: I will be able to compare and contrast the formation of white dwarf 'stars', neutron 'stars' and black holes during today's class

WORDS FOR TODAY:

  • Planck Time
  • Proton (a non-fundamental particle, contains u-u-d quarks, has +1 charge)
  • Electron (a fundamental particle of nature, has -1 charge)
  • Neutron (a non-fundamental particle, contains d-d-u quarks)
  • Up Quark (a fundamental particle of nature, has + 2/3 charge)
  • Down Quark ((a fundamental particle of nature, has -1/3 charge)
  • Strong Force (between quarks)
  • Weak Force (not exactly a force)
  • Electromagnetic force (between protons & neutrons)
  • Gravity (between objects with mass)
  • Nucleosynthesis (creating new atoms)
  • Fusion (atoms smashing together - a more general term for nucleosynthesis)
  • isotope (an atom with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons)
  • Gluons ('moderate' the strong force)
  • Weak Force Stuff (Z0, W+, W-, neutrinos
  • White Dwarf "Stars" (The leftover core of sun-like stars. No fusion/nucleosynthesis reactions occur, they simply give off heat, very, very slowly)
  • Neutron Stars (Incredibly dense, small (~10 km) objects created by Super Nova explosions of stars of about 5 - 8 solar masses. No fusion/nucleosynthesis reactions occur, charachterized by incredible densities and often very rapid rotation)
  • Black Holes (Regions of incredibly strong gravity created by Super Nova explosions of stars > 8 - 10 solar masses. Anything that falls into a black hole is consumed by gravity. We have little or no theory/math to explain what happens there)

WORK O' THE DAY: 

APOD

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Let's do some more sketching - grab another sheet of butcher paper, 3 - 4 ft, just like before and divide it into 4 sections and label them:

  • Stellar Physics
  • White Dwarf Stars
  • Neutron Stars
  • Black Holes