Star Life Cycle

Front

What determines the path a star takes in its life cycle?

Back

The mass of the star.

Front

What is the explosive event that occurs after a high mass star becomes a supergiant?

Back

A supernova.

Front

What is the main difference between a protostar and a main sequence star?

Back

Protostars do not engage in nuclear fusion.

Front

What is the final stage of a high mass star that is so dense that not even light can escape?

Back

A black hole.

Front

What is the correct order of the life cycle of our star, the Sun?

Back

Nebula, fusion stage, red giant, white dwarf, black dwarf.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What happens to a star during the red giant phase?

Back

The star expands and cools after exhausting the hydrogen in its core.

Front

What is a white dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers.

Front

What is a black dwarf?

Back

A black dwarf is a theoretical stellar remnant that occurs when a white dwarf has cooled sufficiently that it no longer emits significant heat or light.