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

The death of a very large star typically culminates in a supernova explosion, driven by the rapid collapse of its core after exhausting its nuclear fuel, leading to the formation of neutron stars or black holes. In contrast, smaller stars, like our Sun, undergo a gentler process, expanding into red giants and shedding their outer layers to form planetary nebulae, ultimately leaving behind white dwarfs. The mechanisms and end products of their deaths reflect their initial mass, with larger stars having more complex fusion processes and more violent endings.