What is the life cycle of a star?

Star formation begins when dust and gas starts to gather to form a cloud called nebula. Gravity causes the cloud to spiral and form a Protostar, where gravity accelerates the gas particles, resulting in heat. Once the temperature is high enough, hydrogen gas atoms start to combine together in a process called hydrogen fusion. Nuclear fusion gives out light and more heat, allowing hydrogen atoms to slowly fuse to form helium atoms; this stage is called the Main Sequence. This is the longest stage, in which the star remains until its hydrogen runs out. The next stage of each star depends on its mass; stars like the Sun turn into Red Giants, while larger stars turn into Red Supergiants. In these stages, nuclear fusion continues with helium atoms instead of hydrogen atoms. Once even helium is depleted, Red Giants begin to cool down and eventually turn into White Dwarfs. Red Supergiants explode into Supernovae- after this stage, the mass of the star plays a role again; lighter stars turn into neutron stars; bodies with small size but very high density. Heavier stars collapse completely and become Black Holes; objects with gravity so strong not even light particles can escape it.

BP
Answered by Barbara P. Physics tutor

3549 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A transformer has an input voltage of 4V, an output voltage of 8V and 50 turns on its primary coil. Assuming 100% efficiency, find the number of turns on the secondary coil.


A coal fire is burning in the bottom of a furnace, with a chimney above it. Air moves into the furnace from an opening at the bottom and up the chimney. Describe how the process of convection causes this air movement.


Explain how an electromagnetic motor works?


What are the different kinds of nuclear radiation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning