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Topic 14: Stellar evolution

2 dot points across 2 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does a massive star die, and what is left behind, a neutron star or a black hole?

The life cycle of a high-mass star, the neutron pressure that supports a neutron star, the Chandrasekhar Limit, and how astronomers find evidence for black holes.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Astronomy statements 14.6 to 14.8 and 14.10 to 14.11, covering the life cycle of a high-mass star (nebula, main sequence, red supergiant, supernova, neutron star, black hole), the neutron pressure supporting a neutron star, the Chandrasekhar Limit, and how black holes are detected.
10 min answer →

How does a star like the Sun live and die, and what holds it up at each stage?

The radiation pressure versus gravity balance in a main sequence star, the changes through the life cycle of a low-mass star, and the electron pressure that supports a white dwarf.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Astronomy statements 14.3 to 14.5 and 14.9, covering the balance between radiation pressure and gravity in a main sequence star, the principal stages of stellar evolution for a star similar in mass to the Sun (nebula, main sequence, red giant, planetary nebula, white dwarf, black dwarf), and the electron degeneracy pressure that supports a white dwarf.
10 min answer →