Life Cycle of Stars _ GCSE Physics

Stars form from clouds of dust and gas due to gravity, becoming protostars. When hot enough, they fuse hydrogen into helium, entering a stable main sequence phase. Stars like our sun eventually become red giants, shedding outer layers to form white dwarfs. Larger stars become red supergiants and explode as supernovae, creating heavy elements and leaving neutron stars or black holes. Stars are crucial for forming elements found on Earth.

What is the initial process that leads to the formation of a star?

Describe the conditions under which a star enters the main sequence phase.

Explain the difference between the fate of stars like our sun and much larger stars.

What happens to a star when it runs out of hydrogen?

What elements are formed during a supernova explosion?