Stellar Evolution

Question 1

What is a nebula?

Answer 1

A cloud of dust and gas. Initial form of a star.

Question 2

How is a protostar formed?

Answer 2

Dust and gas are pulled together by the force of gravity.

Question 3

Describe how as star is born.

Answer 3

1. A cloud of dust and gas (nebula) is pulled together by the force of gravity to form a protostar.
2. The temperature rises as the star gets denser and more particles collide with each other.
3. When the temperature gets high enough, hydrogen nuclei undergo nuclear fusion to form helium nuclei.
4. This gives out huge amounts of energy, which keeps the core of the star hot.
5. A star is born.

Question 4

Name the life cycle stages of a star

Answer 4

Nebula
Protostar
Main sequence star
Red Giant
White Dwarf
OR….
Nebula
Protostar
Main sequence star
Red Super Giant
SuperNova
Neutron star or Black hole

Question 5

When a star enters a long stable period what happens?

Answer 5

During this period, the outward pressure caused by thermal expansion