Topic 8-Space physics Flashcards
What do stars initially form from?
A cloud of dust and gas.
What is a cloud of dust and gas called?
A nebula.
What can be formed from a nebula?
A protostar.
How is a protostar formed by a nebula?
The gravity pulls the dust and gas together.
What is a protostar eventually turned into?
A main sequence star.
How long does a main sequence star usually last?
Billions of years.
Why does a protostar eventually turn into a main sequence star?
Because there is lots of pressure from nuclear fusion which tries to expand the star balancing the force of gravity, pulling everything inwards.
What does a main sequence star turn into?
A red giant or a red super giant.
What is our sun?
A red giant.
Why does a main sequence star turn into a red giant?
Because it runs out of hydrogen.
What does a normal red giant turn into?
A white dwarf.
What does a white dwarf turn into?
A black dwarf.
What does a red super giant turn into?
A supernova.
What does a supernova turn into?
A neutron star or a black hole.
What is a black hole?
A dense point in space where light can’t escape.