The life cycle of a star: Space physics: Physics: GCSE (9:1)

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15 Terms

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Nebula

A large cloud of dust and gas in space

<p>A large cloud of dust and gas in space</p>
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Protostar

Formed from the core of a nebula after it collapses under its own gravity

<p>Formed from the core of a nebula after it collapses under its own gravity</p>
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Nuclear fusion (stars)

Begins when the core of a protostar becomes hot and dense enough for fusion to start

<p>Begins when the core of a protostar becomes hot and dense enough for fusion to start</p>
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Main sequence star

A star that is in equilibrium and remains in this phase for most of its lifetime

<p>A star that is in equilibrium and remains in this phase for most of its lifetime</p>
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Equilibrium (stars)

When the gravitational collapse of a star is balanced by the expansion due to the energy released by fusion

<p>When the gravitational collapse of a star is balanced by the expansion due to the energy released by fusion</p>
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The Sun

A relatively small, main sequence star that is roughly in the middle of its life cycle

<p>A relatively small, main sequence star that is roughly in the middle of its life cycle</p>
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Red giant

Formed when a star about the same size as the Sun runs out of hydrogen so larger nuclei form and the star expands

<p>Formed when a star about the same size as the Sun runs out of hydrogen so larger nuclei form and the star expands</p>
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White dwarf

Formed when the nuclear reactions in a red giant stop and it starts to contract due to its own pull of gravity

<p>Formed when the nuclear reactions in a red giant stop and it starts to contract due to its own pull of gravity</p>
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Black dwarf

Formed when a white dwarf cools until it no longer emits any radiation

<p>Formed when a white dwarf cools until it no longer emits any radiation</p>
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Red super giant

Formed when star much larger than the Sun runs out of hydrogen so larger nuclei form and the star expands

<p>Formed when star much larger than the Sun runs out of hydrogen so larger nuclei form and the star expands</p>
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Supernova

Occurs when a red super giant expands until it explodes, throwing hot gas into space

<p>Occurs when a red super giant expands until it explodes, throwing hot gas into space</p>
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Neutron star or black hole

Left behind after a supernova and depends on the mass of the star at the start of its life

<p>Left behind after a supernova and depends on the mass of the star at the start of its life</p>
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Forming elements in stars

All the naturally occurring elements are produced by fusion reactions in stars

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How the lighter elements (up to iron) form

Formed in main sequence stars when the hydrogen runs out, so helium nuclei start to fuse etc

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How the heavier elements (heavier than iron) form

Formed when a supernova explodes and are thrown out into the universe