The Life Cycle Of Stars Flashcards
How is a protostar formed?
The force of gravity makes the gas and dust spiral in together to form a protostar.
Explain how a star is born…
Gravitational energy is converted into heat energy, so the temperature rises. When the temperature gets high enough, hydrogen nuclei undergo nuclear fusion to form helium nuclei and give out massive amounts of heat and light.
What is the third process of the star…
The star immediately enters a long stable period, where the heat created by the nuclear fusion provides an outward pressure to balance the force of gravity pulling everything inwards. In this stable period it’s called MAIN SEQUENCE STAR.
Explain the fourth process…
Eventually the hydrogen begins to run out. Heavier elements such as iron are made by nuclear fusion of helium. The star then swells into a RED GIANT, if it’s a smaller star, or a RED SUPER GIANT if it’s a big star. It becomes red because the surface cools down.
What do stars initially from from?
Clouds of dust and gas.
