gen-in-3-4-sentences-explain-the-life-cycle-of-a-star-state-any-73e9

In 3-4 sentences, explain the life cycle of a star. State any key formula.

A star forms when a cloud of gas and dust collapses under gravity and becomes dense and hot enough to initiate nuclear fusion in its core. During its main sequence phase, the star fuses hydrogen into helium, balancing gravitational collapse with radiation pressure—this equilibrium is described by the **mass-luminosity relation: L ∝ M³⁻⁴** (luminosity proportional to mass cubed or to the fourth power). When hydrogen fuel is exhausted, the star's fate depends on its mass: low-mass stars become red giants then white dwarfs, while high-mass stars undergo supernova explosions and form neutron stars or black holes. The energy released during fusion follows **Einstein's equation: E = mc²**, converting mass into energy.