How is the death of a very large star different from the death of a smaller star?

The death of a very large star typically ends in a spectacular supernova explosion, often resulting in the formation of a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass. In contrast, smaller stars, like our Sun, undergo a more gentle death, shedding their outer layers to form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a dense core known as a white dwarf. The processes and remnants of these stellar deaths are fundamentally different due to the varying masses and internal pressures involved.