Conceptual Questions on Topic D.

4 Stellar Processes (AHL)

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it to MSteams by 9 PM (Your local time).

Cross check your conceptual understanding from your notes or books but avoid copying for your
own conceptual understanding. You may discuss among your friends if you think it helps. Ask
questions on MSteams chat if you have any doubts or need clarifications. If you are stuck on a
question, leave it there and then get back to it after you’ve finished others.

Make sure that you label the axis of all graphs. Draw neatly. Draw labelled diagram for an answer if
you feel it is necessary. Put your q no. for each answer clearly.

1. Explain in brief what is Jean’s criterion for star formation

2. Which events trigger star formation? Explain in brief how that happens?
3. Explain the role of different energies involved in star formation and how their combination
facilitates star formation
4. Which element is present predominantly on a main sequence star? How do you know it
experimentally?
5. Which element is created in vast amounts on a main sequence star?
6. State which processes of creation of He are predominant on a low mass star like our sun and
a very high mass star.
7. Write the detail equations for formation of Helium on a low mass star
8. Write the detail equations for formation of Helium on a very high mass star
9. Outline, what happens to the core when fusion related to the main sequence of a star is
finished.
10. How does this affect the star in terms of it’s nature?
11. Write some of the nuclear reactions taking place inside the core of the star after it leaves the
main sequence.
12. Which element is produced at the centre of the core of a high mass star? Why are higher
elements than this are not produced in the core?
13. How are higher elements than that at the centre of core of a high mass star are produced?
State the names of two reactions responsible for that.
14. Explain the role of one nutron in producing a heavy element. Write the detail nuclear
reaction for that and draw the Feynman diagram for it. What is the reaction called?
15. How are elements heavier than that at the centre of core of a high mass star are produced
during the very last stages of star before it explodes into a supernova. Name this process.
16. Deduce a relationship between the mass of a star and it’s lifetime on main sequence using
the mass luminosity relationship.
17. Use this relationship to deduce the lifetime of a star 3 times mass of sun. Assume that the
lifetime of sun will be 10 Billion Years.
18. What is a Supernova (SN)? Explain how a type 2 supernova is formed.
19. Draw a graph to show the ‘light curve’ (intensity-time graph) to show the difference in type
IA and type 2 supernova. Label them clearly.
20. Explain the formation of type IA supernova
21. What is the role of electron degeneracy pressure that relates to the luminosity of type 1A
SN?
22. Which property of type 1A SN act as a distance marker? What makes them better than
Cepheid variables for that purpose?