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5 (a) The photograph shows a nebula and many stars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 (a) The photograph shows a nebula and many stars. (i) A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust from which stars are formed. Describe the energy changes involved when a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) The photograph shows a nebula and many stars - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the energy changes involved when a main sequence star forms from gas and dust.
Answer
The formation of a main sequence star begins with a nebula consisting of gas and dust.
- Gravitational Potential Energy: Initially, the gravitational (potential) energy of the gas and dust is high due to its position in the nebula.
- Changes to Kinetic Energy: As the particles within the nebula are pulled together by gravity, this potential energy converts into kinetic energy, causing the particles to move faster.
- Increase in Temperature: As these particles collide, they begin to heat up, resulting in an increase in thermal energy.
- Nuclear Fusion: When the temperature rises sufficiently, it becomes hot enough for nuclear fusion to occur, enabling the star to begin its life cycle as a main sequence star.
Step 2
Describe how the mass of a main sequence star will affect what the star finally becomes.
Answer
The mass of a main sequence star plays a crucial role in determining its evolutionary path:
- Different Star Sizes: Stars can vary in size, categorized as small, medium, or large.
- Evolution Options: A low mass star typically ends its life cycle as a red giant, eventually shedding its outer layers to become a planetary nebula, while a more massive star becomes a supergiant.
- Final Stages: Ultimately, a very massive star will evolve to become a neutron star or even collapse into a black hole, while smaller stars will end as white dwarfs.