Physics 5054 · O Level · Stars

Stars — practice question

A star that is stable in a faraway galaxy has a mass greater than 15 times the mass of the Sun.
(a(i))[3]

State the name of the nuclear reaction that takes place at the star's centre and describe how this nuclear reaction operates.

(a(ii))[3]

Explain how this nuclear reaction helps to keep the star stable.

(b(i))[1]

As a massive star nears the end of its life, it ceases to be stable and changes into a red supergiant. State why the nuclear reaction can no longer keep the star stable.

(b(ii))[3]

Describe what happens next to the red supergiant.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The process is nuclear fusion.

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