Low Mass Stars

Front

What happens to the Sun's core as it ages?

Back

The Sun's core is getting denser and hotter.

Front

What is the estimated total lifespan of the Sun?

Back

About twelve billion years.

Front

How can stars be categorized based on their mass?

Back

Stars can be divided into low mass stars and high mass stars.

Front

What element will the Sun's core fuse into after becoming a red giant?

Back

Carbon.

Front

What will a low mass red dwarf star be nearly pure of when it dies?

Back

Helium.

Front

What is a low mass star?

Back

A star with a mass less than about 2 solar masses, typically having a longer lifespan.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A late stage in a star's life cycle where it expands and cools after exhausting hydrogen in its core.

Front

What is the primary fuel for low mass stars during their main sequence phase?

Back

Hydrogen.

Front

What is the fate of a low mass star after it exhausts its helium?

Back

It will shed its outer layers and leave behind a white dwarf.

Front

What is a white dwarf?

Back

A small, dense star that is the remnant of a low mass star after it has shed its outer layers.