Greg Foot demonstrates that a star is just like a continuous chemical reaction where hydrogen is converted into helium and produces all the elements that exist on Earth.
Greg begins by performing the thermite reaction between iron oxide and aluminium powder, in order to demonstrate that some chemical reactions can release large amounts of heat and light energy.
He explains that stars do not consist of iron oxide and aluminium but instead consists of plasma that transfers huge amounts of light and heat energy. Greg then demonstrates how to make plasma using a candle and a microwave oven.
The microwave energy strips electrons from the hot gas from the candle flame, creating an ionised gas called plasma. Just like a tiny star, the plasma emits both light and heat energy.
Teacher Notes
Students could use this short film as part of studying the electrochemical series and how different compounds react with one another.
It could also be used when studying the states of matter e.g. solid, liquid, gas and plasma, and when studying atomic structure and what happens to an atom when electrons are removed.
Students could also find out what is happening in our Sun and how coronal mass ejections and the solar wind produce effects such as the aurora borealis in the Earth鈥檚 polar regions.
Curriculum Notes
These short films will be relevant for teaching physics and chemistry at both KS3 and KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.
More from the Secrets of Everything:
How big is one giant leap on the Moon? video
Greg Foot finds out how high he can jump on Earth compared to on the surface of the Moon.
How can you survive a lightning strike? video
Just how dangerous is lightning and how can anyone survive a direct lightning strike?
If the whole world jumped at the same time would the planet move? video
Greg Foot investigates the question on everyone's lips; what if everyone in the world jumped at the same time?
Could I survive an asteroid strike? video
Greg Foot investigates what would happen if an asteroid collided with Earth.
Why is the sky blue? video
Greg Foot discovers why the sky is blue by examining the effect of the atmosphere.
Why can't I run fast? video
Will humans be able to run faster and continue to break world records?
Why do boomerangs come back? video
Why a boomerang will always return to its thrower when thrown correctly.
Why is fire hot? video
Greg Foot demonstrates how fuel, heat and oxygen are required to produce fire.
Can I escape from quicksand? video
Why quick sand is dangerous and the forces involved that make it difficult to escape from.
