Origins of our Solar System

Star birth and death

Themes of Lecture:
Theme 1: Relationship btwn Temp & Pressure. Theme 2: Gravity vs. Pressure

Background Info: Star Anatomy

Core Envelope

Stars born from clumps of matter in the Universe

Stars are clumps of Hydrogen atoms. Why H?

Protostars - clumps of matter condensing but not yet undergoing nuclear fusion (no energy being released)

Protostar to Star
Gravity pulls matter together

Increased density leads to increased T and P.

If mass is low - no fusion possible Brown Dwarf If mass is high enough Nuclear Fusion begins!

Actual Star

Nuclear fusion inside stars

Fusion of Hydrogen nuclei releases huge amounts of energy. Photons released - starlight!

Energy from core creates outward push counteracts gravitys inward pull

Star size determined by the balance between the push (energy from fusion) and pull (gravity)

Fusion happens in the core

Highest density .. & Temp & Pressure

H
H H

He

+ Energy (photons)

Hydrogen burning creates Helium ash H He H H

Stars remain in their Hburning phase for a long time.

Larger stars vs. Smaller stars - what is the trend in how long they live?

Stars begin the death process when He accumulates

Star Death
Complete the worksheet.