Physics A-Level
Gravitational collapse
What Gravitational collapse means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Gravitational collapse
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Gravitational collapse in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A region of interstellar dust and gas, mainly hydrogen, becomes dense enough for gravity to overcome internal pressure, pulling matter inward.
Topics that use Gravitational collapse
- Stars (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Black hole
- Chandrasekhar limit
- Electron degeneracy pressure
- HR diagram
- Main sequence
- Neutron star
- Planet
- Planetary nebula
Using Gravitational collapse in the exam
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