Stars Flashcards
What was the universe before galaxies and stars formed?
A dark patch of hydrogen and helium
What force pulled matter into galaxies and stars?
Gravity
What is a galaxy?
A galaxy is a collection of billions of stars held together by their own gravity
What is a protostar?
A protostar is a gas and dust cloud in a space that can go on to form a star
What is the energy released by a star provided by?
Nuclear fusion
During the stable part of a stars life, the force of gravity is balanced by what?
radiation pressure from its core
What is a supernova?
A supernova is the explosion of a supergiant star after it collapses
What is the life cycle of a low mass star, such as our sun?
Protostar, main sequence star, red giant, white dwarf, black dwarf
What is the life cycle of a high mass star?
Protostar, main sequence star, red supergiant, supernova, neutron star, black hole (if it had sufficient mass)
Can anything escape from a black hole?
The gravitational field of a black hole is so strong that nothing can escape from it
What is formed inside stars as a result of nuclear fusion
Elements as heavy as iron are formed inside stars as a result of nuclear fusion
What is formed in supernovas?
Elements heavier than iron are formed in supernovas (as well as light elements)
How was the sun and the rest of the solar system formed?
The sun and the rest of the solar system were formed from the debris of supernovas
What chemicals are present in space?
Molecules of carbon based chemicals are present in space
How did life on Earth develop?
Life on Earth developed from chemicals reacting in lightning storms
