Stars and the Life Cycle of StarsAQA GCSE Physics: Flashcards
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What is the first stage in the formation of any star?
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- What is the first stage in the formation of any star?
- A nebula — a cloud of dust and gas pulled together by gravity.
- What comes after the nebula stage, before fusion begins?
- A protostar — a contracting, heating cloud of gas and dust.
- What defines the 'main sequence' stage of a star?
- A stable, long-lasting stage where fusion reactions in the core balance gravitational collapse (equilibrium).
- List the full life cycle of a star similar in size to the Sun.
- Nebula → protostar → main sequence star → red giant → white dwarf → black dwarf.
- List the full life cycle of a star much more massive than the Sun.
- Nebula → protostar → main sequence star → red super giant → supernova → neutron star or black hole.
- What is a red giant?
- A swollen, cooler star formed when a Sun-like star's core fuel starts to run low.
- What is left behind after a red giant sheds its outer layers?
- A white dwarf — a hot, dense remnant core.
- What is a black dwarf?
- A white dwarf that has cooled until it no longer emits significant light.
- What happens to a very massive star instead of becoming a red giant?
- It becomes a red super giant, then explodes as a supernova.
- What two possible remnants can be left after a supernova?
- A neutron star or a black hole, depending on the mass of the remaining core.
- Up to which element can normal stellar fusion produce?
- Iron.
- How are elements heavier than iron produced?
- Only during a supernova explosion.
- How do elements produced by stars end up in new stars and planets?
- A supernova explosion distributes the elements throughout the universe.