Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Stellar Evolution
37 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
11–18 of 18 · Normal
Question 11
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below represents simplified stages in the life of a star with a mass much greater than our Sun.
Stages in the lifecycle of a massive star (a)[2 marks]Describe what happens to the star as it moves from red supergiant (C) to supernova (D).
(b)[2 marks]Explain the main difference between the neutron star and black hole outcomes (E, F).
Question 12
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why gravitational forces become dominant over outward pressure at the end of the main sequence stage of a star similar to our Sun.
Question 13
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which part of the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram represents the main sequence?
- A.A diagonal band from high temperature/bright to low temperature/dim.
- B.A cluster at the top right corner.
- C.A horizontal line at the bottom.
- D.A vertical line at the left edge.
Question 14
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State two differences between a red giant and a white dwarf star in terms of their physical properties.
Question 15
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A star cools from 10,000 K to 4,000 K as it becomes a red giant. By what factor has the surface temperature changed? Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
Question 16
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student studies two stars: Alpha (surface temperature 3400 K) and Beta (surface temperature 8500 K). Both are located at the same distance from Earth and have the same luminosity.
(a)[2 marks]State the colour you would expect to see from each star based on their surface temperature.
(b)[2 marks]Classify each star using the star classification table.
(c)[2 marks]If both stars appear equally bright from Earth, describe what conclusions can be made about their absolute magnitude and their position in the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram.
Question 17
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table below shows data for three stars: Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Rigel. All three are located in the Milky Way.
Data for several stars Star Class Surface temperature (K) Sirius A 9500 Betelgeuse M 3200 Rigel B 12100 (a)[3 marks]For each star, state the likely colour you would observe.
(b)[2 marks]Describe the likely stage in the stellar life cycle for Betelgeuse and Rigel, based on their classification.
Question 18
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →An astronomer observes a distant galaxy and finds a star that is much more massive than the Sun. The star's surface temperature is 30,000 K, and it emits mostly blue light.
(a)[2 marks]Using the star classification table, state the spectral class of this star and its likely colour.
(b)[3 marks]Describe the final stages in the life of a star with much greater mass than the Sun, including possible remnants.