# Explain why a massive star, after leaving the main sequence, ends its life differently from a star of similar mass to the Sun.

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

> Stars spend most of their lives as main sequence stars, but their ultimate fate depends on their mass.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. When hydrogen is used up, both types of star initially expand / both stars collapse under gravity then expand
2. A massive star expands to become a red supergiant (whereas a Sun-like star becomes a red giant)
3. A massive star then explodes as a supernova, distributing elements throughout the universe
4. After the supernova, what remains is a neutron star or black hole (whereas a Sun-like star ends as a white dwarf)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](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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