Nuclear fusion is the combining together of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier one.
The energy from stars, like the Sun, is produced during fusion.
Star life cycle
Nebula – clouds of gas and dust in space are called nebula.
Protostar – gravity pulls together large amounts of dust and gas to begin the process of star formation.
Main Sequence Star– pressure and temperature increase within the protostar until nuclear fusion begins, at this point the star begins to shine and it enters its main sequence. During the main sequence part of a stars life cycle the gravitational forces pulling the material in the star together are being balanced by forces produced by radiation. This makes the star stable.
FROM THIS POINT ON THE REST OF THE STARS LIFE CYCLE DEPENDS ON THE SIZE OF THE STAR.
Stars about the same size as the sun
Red Giant –
White Dwarf –
Black Dwarf –
Stars much bigger than the sun
Red Super Giant –
Super Nova –
Neutron Star –
Black Hole –
