8.2.1

Life Cycle of a Star like the Sun

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Life Cycle of a Star like the Sun

The life cycle of a star depends on its size. All stars begin their life cycle in the same way. Gravity pulls nebulae together to form a protostar. This protostar turns into a main sequence star. If a star is a similar size as the Sun, its lifecycle is:

Main sequence

Main sequence

  • In a main sequence star, hydrogen nuclei are fused together to form helium.
  • This releases energy as heat and light.
Red giant

Red giant

  • Eventually all the hydrogen fuel runs out.
  • The star then cools and expands, becoming a red giant.
  • The star then starts to fuse together helium nuclei to release energy.
White dwarf

White dwarf

  • As the helium fuel runs out, the outward forces reduce in size and the star collapses inwards.
  • This causes its temperature to increase.
  • A white dwarf is formed, which is the hot core of the star.
Black dwarf

Black dwarf

  • When the star completely cools, the star becomes a black dwarf.
  • A black dwarf doesn’t emit (send out) any light or heat.
Jump to other topics
1

Forces & Motion

1.1

Basics of Motion

1.2

Forces

1.3

Effects of Forces

1.4

Stopping Distance

1.5

Forces & Elasticity

2

Electricity

3

Waves

4

Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5

Solids, Liquids & Gases

6

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7

Radioactivity & Particles

8

Astrophysics

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