Stellar processes (HL)

Understandings:

• The Jeans criterion
• Nuclear fusion
• Nucleosynthesis off the main sequence
• Type Ia and II supernovae

Applications and skills:

• Applying the Jeans criterion to star formation
• Describing the different types of nuclear fusion reactions taking place off the main sequence
• Applying the mass–luminosity relation to compare lifetimes on the main sequence relative to that of our Sun
• Describing the formation of elements in stars that are heavier than iron including the required increases in temperature
• Qualitatively describe the s and r processes for neutron capture
• Distinguishing between type Ia and II supernovae

Guidance:

• Only an elementary application of the Jeans criterion is required, ie collapse of an interstellar cloud may begin if M > Mj
• Students should be aware of the use of type Ia supernovae as standard candles