Evolution of massive stars (AQA A-Level Physics): Flashcards

Mass threshold for massive star evolution

1.4 solar masses

Primary fusion cycle in massive stars

CNO cycle

Red supergiant luminosity vs Sun

~100,000 times

Type II supernova involves what kind of star?

Single massive star

Duration of Type II supernova core collapse

Seconds

Typical diameter of neutron star

~20 km

Maximum rotation rate of pulsars (per second)

Up to 600 times per second

Escape velocity from black hole

≥ speed of light ($c$)

Formula for Schwarzschild radius

$R_S = \frac{2GM}{c^2}$

Energy released by typical gamma ray burst (J)

$10^{48}$ J