# A main sequence star much more massive than the Sun eventually runs out of hydrogen fuel. Describe the sequence of stages the star passes through from the point at which it leaves the main sequence until a neutron star is formed.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 8.2 Stellar evolution · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The star expands (massively) to become a red supergiant
2. The red supergiant explodes in a supernova
3. The hydrogen fuel (or nuclear fusion) is no longer sufficient to maintain outward pressure, so the star collapses under gravity / gravitational attraction
4. What remains after the supernova contracts / collapses to form a neutron star

## Key terms

- [main sequence star](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/main-sequence-star)
- [neutron star](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/neutron-star)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-main-sequence-star-much-more-172dfb7e) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.