An astronomer uses a computer model to follow two stars that still have their outer layers.
| Star | Mass when the main sequence began, in multiples of the Sun's mass | Present condition of the core |
|---|---|---|
| L | 1.1 | The star has completed its red giant stage and fusion in its core has stopped permanently |
| M | 18 | The core consists of iron |
For Star M, the model predicts that the collapsed core will retain a moderate mass.
Explain what will happen next to Star L and what its final remnant will be.
Explain what will happen next to Star M and what final remnant the model predicts.
75 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 7.3 Stars, covering 7.3.1 Evolution of stars similar to the Sun, 7.3.2 Evolution of massive stars, and 7.3.3 Observing the Universe. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.