Understand that the subsequent stages in a star's life cycle depend on its mass: (a) a small mass star (similar to the Sun) evolves from red giant to white dwarf and planetary nebula; (b) a large mass star becomes a red supergiant, then a supernova, and may turn into a neutron star; (c) a very large mass star also becomes a red supergiant, then a supernova, and can form a black hole.

Quick explanation

Understand that the subsequent stages in a star's life cycle depend on its mass: (a) a small mass star (similar to the Sun) evolves from red giant to white dwarf and planetary nebula; (b) a large mass star becomes a red supergiant, then a supernova, and may turn into a neutron star; (c) a very large mass star also becomes a red supergiant, then a supernova, and can form a black hole

• This point belongs to Stars and the Universe, especially Stars and the Universe outcomes.
• You need to be able to understand that the subsequent stages in a star's life cycle depend on its mass: (a) a small mass star (similar to the Sun) evolves from red giant to white dwarf and planetary nebula; (b) a large mass star becomes a red supergiant, then a supernova, and may turn into a neutron star; (c) a very large mass star also becomes a red supergiant, then a supernova, and can form a black hole.
• The key ideas to know are Outline and Describe.
• Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.