Atoms and Radiation

10 important questions on Atoms and Radiation

Describe the stages in nuclear fusion

A lot of energy is required to overcome the natural repulsion two atomic nuclei share. When this repulsion is overcome, the two nuclei fuse to form a larger nucleus

What forces act on a main stage star?

The fusion at the star's core produces enormous amount of energy that radiates outwards trying to tear the star apart. At the same time the star's massive gravity field is working in the opposite direction, stabilising it

Describe the life cycle of a star the same size as the sun

Nebula --> protostar --> star --> red giant --> white dwarf --> black dwarf
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What is a red giant?

Once a star has used up all its hydrogen, fusion continues with heavier elements and the star increases to many times its former size

What is a white dwarf?

The core of a star collapses to form a small dim star, it is very dense and takes billions of years to cool down to form a black dwarf

Describe the life cycle of a star much bigger than the sun

Nebula --> protostar --> massive star --> red supergiant --> supernova --> neutron star or black hole

What is a supernova?

The core of a massive star collapses then rebounds in a massive explosion

What is a neutron star?

It is like a white dwarf but formed from massive stars. It is as big as the earth but has a mass greater than that of the sun

What is a black hole?

When a massive star explodes, it can leave behind a black hole, it is a small ball of matter denser than a neutron star. Its gravitational pull is so strong even light cannot escape it

How does fusion provide all elements in the universe?

Stars can only form elements up to iron since it isn't hot enough to form heavier elements. This means that the heavier elements that exist must've been formed in supernovas

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