1. 1
   A planetarium show describes the different stages that a star similar in size to our Sun passes through during its lifetime.

   (a)

   After the main sequence stage, what does a star similar in size to the Sun become?

   [1 mark]

   • ARed giant
   • BSupernova
   • CNeutron star
   • DRed supergiant

   (b)

   What is the final, cold remnant left after a white dwarf cools down?

   [1 mark]

   • ABlack hole
   • BNeutron star
   • CBlack dwarf
   • DNebula

   (c)

   State the names of the first two stages in the life cycle of a star like the Sun, in the correct order.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   Astronomers historically recorded a bright new 'star' appearing suddenly in the sky, caused by the explosive death of a star much more massive than the Sun.

   (a)

   What is the name of the explosive event caused by the death of a star much more massive than the Sun?

   [1 mark]

   • ARed-shift
   • BNebula
   • CEclipse
   • DSupernova

   (b)

   What can a supernova leave behind if the remaining core is extremely massive?

   [1 mark]

   • AWhite dwarf
   • BBlack hole
   • CProtostar
   • DRed giant

   (c)

   Name the two possible remnants that can be left behind after a supernova, depending on the mass of the remaining core.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A chemistry teacher explains to students that heavy elements, such as gold and iron, found in jewellery were originally created inside stars and scattered across the universe.

   (a)

   Explain how fusion processes in stars lead to the formation of new, heavier elements.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   Explain why elements heavier than iron can only be produced during a supernova explosion, and how these elements come to be found on Earth.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A museum exhibit invites visitors to consider that every atom of iron in their blood was created inside a star that died billions of years ago.

   (a)

   Describe the full life cycle of a star with a similar mass to the Sun, from its formation to its final stage.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   Describe the full life cycle of a star with a much greater mass than the Sun, explaining how it differs from the life cycle of a Sun-sized star.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions