8.1 Space physics (solar system) Flashcards
Which galaxy is our solar system part of?
The Milky Way Galaxy
How many planets make up our solar system?
Eight (plus the dwarf planets)
What do the planets in our solar system orbit around and what type of body is it?
- the planets orbit around the sun
- the sun is a star
What type of force pulled together the cloud of dust and gas to form the sun?
gravitational force of attraction
What word is used to describe a cloud of dust and gas?
a nebula
What type of reactions take place at the start of a star’s life cycle as dust and gas is drawn together?
fusion reactions
What factor determines the type of lifecycle a star undergoes?
the size of the star
Which two phases do all stars of the same or greater size than the sun undergo?
- Protostar phase
- Main sequence phase
What do stars of a similar magnitude to the sun become at the end of their life-cycle?
A black dwarf
What two things can stars much bigger than the sun become at the end of their life cycle?
- Neutron star
- Black hole
What two phases do stars of similar size to the sun go through between being a main sequence star and a black dwarf?
- Red giant
- White dwarf
What two phases do stars of greater size than the sun go through between being a main sequence star and a neutron star/black hole?
- Red super giant
- Supernova
What are produced during the fusion processes in a star?
all of the naturally occurring elements
What are the naturally occurring elements?
all of the elements on the periodic table
What condition is required for fusion reactions to occur in a star?
very high temperatures