8.1.8

Life Cycle of a Star Much Bigger than the Sun

Test yourself

Life Cycle of a Star Much Bigger than the Sun

A star's life cycle depends on its size. All stars begin their life cycle like the Sun. Gravity pulls nebulae (more than 1 nebula) together to form a protostar, which becomes a main sequence star. If a star is much bigger than the Sun, its life cycle looks like this:

Illustrative background for Red supergiantIllustrative background for Red supergiant ?? "content

Red supergiant

  • Nuclear fusion changes more and more of the star’s mass into energy.
  • The star expands into a red supergiant.
Illustrative background for SupernovaIllustrative background for Supernova ?? "content

Supernova

  • The largest stars explode in a supernova.
  • A supernova produces elements heavier than iron and scatters them throughout the universe.
Illustrative background for Black hole or neutron starIllustrative background for Black hole or neutron star ?? "content

Black hole or neutron star

  • The supernova leaves behind either a black hole or a neutron star.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson