Question

1. look at the heavy elements listed in passage 7. name at least 5 items that contain some of these elements. for each item, identify which element(s) it contains.
2. we are left with an important question about our own planet. we have plenty of elements heavier than iron in our crust: gold, lead, nickel, and so on. the question is this: where did these heavy elements in our planet come from? were they made in our own sun, or were they made somewhere else? in the lines below, offer a brief explanation of where you think earths heavy elements must have come from. be sure to include your reasoning. (passage 8 may have hints!)

Explanation:

1. For the first - part: Common items containing heavy elements are identified based on general knowledge of materials and their elemental composition. For example, jewelry often contains gold, batteries may have lead, stainless - steel items contain nickel, etc.
2. For the second - part: Heavy elements in the Earth are thought to have originated from supernovae explosions. During a supernova, the extreme conditions allow for the synthesis of elements heavier than iron through processes like neutron - capture reactions. Our Sun is not massive enough to produce elements heavier than iron through its normal life - cycle processes.

Answer:

11.

• Jewelry: Gold
• Car batteries: Lead
• Stainless - steel utensils: Nickel
• Dental fillings: Mercury
• Computer components: Copper

1. Earth's heavy elements likely came from supernovae explosions. The Sun is not massive enough to produce elements heavier than iron during its normal processes. Supernovae have the extreme conditions (high temperatures and pressures) necessary for the synthesis of heavy elements through processes such as neutron - capture reactions. These elements were then dispersed into space and incorporated into the material that formed the Earth.