Main Sequence Star
Contents
Key Stage 4
This is an image of The Sun which is a main sequence star.
Meaning
A main sequence star is a star in which the nuclear fusion of Hydrogen isotopes produces Helium.
About Main Sequence Stars
- The main sequence stage of a star's life is the longest and most stable stage.
- The inward pressure on the matter of the star, due to gravity, is balanced by the outward pressure on the matter of the star due to nuclear fusion of Hydrogen heating the matter so the star remains at a constant size.
- During this stage mass is converted to energy due to the Mass-Energy Equivalence by the fusion of Hydrogen isotopes.
- Energy from the nuclear potential energy store is transferred to the thermal energy store of the star.
References
AQA
- Main sequence stars, page 100, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Main sequence stars, page 233, GCSE Physics; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
- Main sequence stars, page 252, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA
- Main sequence stars, pages 318, 319, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA
Edexcel
- Main sequence stars, page 122, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel
- Main sequence stars, page 187, GCSE Physics, CGP, Edexcel