The Life Cycle Of Stars Flashcards
Describe how a Star is formed(3)
Stars form from clouds of dust and gas which spiral in due to gravitational attraction. Gravity compresses the matter so much that intense heat develops. When the temperature gets hot enough nuclear fusion happens and huge amounts of heat and light are emitted
The stable period of a main sequence star can last millions of years. Explain why main sequence stars undergo a stable period(2)
The forces acting on a main sequence star a balanced so it doesn’t collapse or explode. The heat caused by nuclear fusion provides an outward force to balance the force of gravity pulling everything inwards
Describe what happens to small stars after their red giant phase(3)
They become unstable and eject their outer layer of dust and gases as a planetary nebula, which leaves a hot, dense solid core known as a white dwarf. White dwarfs then cool to become black dwarfs.
What happens to big stars after their super red giant phase? (3)
They start to glow brightly again and undergo more fusion, and expand and contract several times. Heavier elements are formed and the star eventually explodes in a supernova. This supernova leaves behind a neutron star or a black hole
What are stars formed from?
Clouds of dust and gas
Will our sun become a black hole?
No, Our sun is a small star only big stars become black holes.
At the end of its main sequence what does a small star become?
A red giant
Where do you stars initially form from? and what forms from this?
Stars initially form from clouds of dust and gas. The force of gravity makes the gas and dust spiral in together to form a protostar.
