Space PhysicsTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Life Cycle of Stars
Part of Life Cycle of Stars — GCSE Physics
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Life Cycle of Stars within Life Cycle of Stars for GCSE Physics. Revise Life Cycle of Stars in Space Physics for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 14 of 14 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 14 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
Topic Summary: Life Cycle of Stars
Sun-Like Star Path
- Nebula
- Protostar
- Main sequence (billions of years)
- Red giant
- Planetary nebula
- White dwarf
Massive Star Path
- Nebula
- Protostar
- Main sequence (millions of years)
- Red supergiant
- Supernova
- Neutron star OR black hole
Key Concepts
- Main sequence: radiation pressure balances gravity
- Elements up to Fe: made in stellar fusion
- Elements heavier than Fe: only in supernovae
- More mass = shorter lifetime
- Neutron star: core 1.4–3 solar masses
- Black hole: core over 3 solar masses
Key Terms
- Nebula — gas and dust cloud
- White dwarf — dense remnant, no fusion
- Supernova — massive star explosion
- Neutron star — billion tonnes per teaspoon
- Black hole — no light can escape
- Protostar — collapsing cloud, not yet fusing