# Explain how the life cycle of a massive star differs from the life cycle of a star similar in mass to the Sun, beginning from when each star leaves the main sequence.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 6.3 Stellar evolution and cosmology (A-Level only) · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A star similar to the Sun expands into a red giant (when it leaves the main sequence)
2. The Sun-like star then sheds its outer layers to form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a white dwarf
3. A massive star expands into a red supergiant (when it leaves the main sequence)
4. The massive star then undergoes a supernova (explosion)
5. The remnant of the massive star forms either a neutron star or a black hole (depending on mass)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-life-cycle-of-c2ed67a6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.