2 - From the Big Bang to Molecules

Summary

The physics and chemistry underpinning the origins of the Universe, stars, elements, and molecules is described in this chapter. It begins with outlining our understanding of the Big Bang, and how gravity subsequently facilitated the emergence of order and complexity in the Universe. This is followed by a brief exposition of star formation, stellar evolution of low- and high-mass stars, and the multiple pathways responsible for the production of elements in stars (i.e., stellar nucleosynthesis) such as the triple alpha process. The chapter concludes with an introduction to the broad subject of astrochemistry. The emphasis is on delineating the sites of molecule formation (e.g., molecular clouds), as well as the processes involved in gas-phase chemistry and grain-surface chemistry that drive the synthesis of molecules.