Stars and Galaxies

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is the explosion of a dying high-mass star.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust where stars are born.

Front

What does it mean for the Sun to be in gravitational equilibrium?

Back

It means there is a balance within the Sun between the outward push of pressure and the inward pull of gravity.

Front

What happens to stars as we move to the left on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

Back

Stars get hotter.

Front

What determines the color of a star?

Back

The color of a star depends on its temperature.

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy is a massive system that contains stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter.

Front

What is the life cycle of a star?

Back

The life cycle of a star includes stages such as nebula, main sequence, red giant, supernova, and neutron star or black hole.

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 is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

Front

What is the difference between a high-mass star and a low-mass star?

Back

High-mass stars have a greater mass and burn hotter and faster than low-mass stars, leading to different life cycles.