P16 - Space Flashcards
What do stars intially form from?
Clouds of dust and gas
Starts initially form from clouds of dust and gas. What is this cloud called?
A Nebula
After a nebula forms how does the formation of a star continue?
The force of gravity pulls the nebula together to form a Protostar
What is the next process of a formarion of a star after the formation of a protostar?
Temperature rises as star gets denser and more particles collide
Explain the formation of a star (6marks)
A cloud of dust and gas form called a nebula.
The force of gravity pulls the nebula together to form a protostar.
The temp rises as the star gets denser.
They collide and become hot enought that hydrogen nuclei undergo nuclear fusion and turn into helium nuclei.
This releases alot of energy and a star is born
What is a main sequence star?
When a star enters a long stable period. Where the outward pressure caused by the nuclear fusion, balances the force of gravity pulling everything inwards
What happens after several billion years of a main sequence star period?
The hydrogen begins to run out which makes the star swell. This turns it into a Red Giant
What happens when a Red Giant eventually becomes unstable?
It expels its outer layers of dust and gas
which leaves behind a hot and dense core called a white dwarf
Why is a white dwarf called a white dwarf?
Its small and gives off lots of light
How does a white dwarf transition into a black dwarf?
Overtime, it emits all its energy so gets cooler and darker
When theres not enough energy to emit light it appears black
When a red giant explodes after ongoing nuclear fusion, we call this _________
A supernova
What can a main sequence star transition into after billions of years?
A red giant if it was a small/medium star
Or a super giant if it was absolutely massive
What does a supernova do?
It forms elements even heavier than iron and ejects them throughout the universe
What happens after a supernova from an absolutely massive star?
If it was absolutely massive it could collapse in on itself and become a black hole
What happens after a supernova from a big star?
it would condense into a dense core called neutron star
Why do we call black holes, black holes?
They are so dense that there gravity can pull any light that passes.
This makes them appear as empty space
Explain the simple life cycle of stars in order
Whats a satellites?
Anything that orbits a planet
What are the two types of satellites?
Natural satellites
Artificial satellites
Name three celestial bodies that make up our solar system?
Comets
Asteroids
Moons
What are asteroids made from?
mostly of rock and metal
Where are asteroids found?
Mainly in the asteroid belt
Where is the asteroid belt?
Between mars and jupiter
