Star Formation & Nucleosynthesis

Front

What do sun-like stars shed as they age?

Back

Outer layers, forming planetary nebulae.

Front

What are the giant molecular clouds that form new stars called?

Back

Nebulae.

Front

What event occurs when very massive stars die and form elements past iron?

Back

Supernova.

Front

What will the sun become when it starts fusing helium into carbon?

Back

Red giant.

Front

What are stars primarily composed of?

Back

Hydrogen and helium.

Front

What is the process called when stars fuse hydrogen into helium?

Back

Nuclear fusion.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A giant cloud of gas and dust in space where new stars are formed.

Front

What happens to a star's core during a supernova?

Back

It collapses and can form a neutron star or black hole.

Front

What is the life cycle stage of a star after it becomes a red giant?

Back

It can become a white dwarf or undergo a supernova.

Front

What is nucleosynthesis?

Back

The process of creating new atomic nuclei from pre-existing nucleons.