8.8A Life cycle of a Star Mini Flashcard 1

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A gigantic explosion that causes the death of a large star.

Front

What force causes dust particles to stick together in a nebula?

Back

Gravity.

Front

What determines the life cycles of stars?

Back

Mass (size) of the star.

Front

What is formed when a nebula is big and hot enough and collapses on itself?

Back

Protostar.

Front

What do all stars begin their life as?

Back

Nebula.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A large cloud of gas and dust in space, where stars are born.

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

An early stage in the formation of a star, formed from a collapsing nebula.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A late stage in the life cycle of a star, characterized by expansion and cooling.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

The process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.