Stellar evolution

Question 1

Describe the life cycle of a star the same size as our Sun, beginning from a nebula

Answer 1

A cloud of dust and gas (nebula) is attracted together by gravity, forming a protostar
As the star gets denser, it gets hotter and hotter, until nuclear fusion provides an outward pressure to balance the force of gravity, so the star remains a stable size, as a main sequence star.
When the star runs out of hydrogen to fuse, it will expand and cool, becoming a red giant.
Over time the star becomes unstable, and ejects its outer layers of dust and gas.
This leaves behind a hot, dense, solid core called a white dwarf.

Question 2

State the parts of the life cycle of a star the same size as our Sun, beginning from a nebula

Answer 2

Nebula, Protostar, Main sequence star, Red Supergiant, Supernova, Neutron star or Black Hole