Earth and Space Sciences Fall Midterm Review

The diagram outlines the life cycles of stars, highlighting different stages for various types of stars. Sun-like stars begin their life in a star-forming nebula and progress through early stages as protostars. Over billions of years, they become red giants, then transition into planetary nebulae, and finally end their life cycles as white dwarfs.

In contrast, low mass stars, such as red dwarfs, can live for hundreds of billions of years. Massive stars, which are more than 8 to 10 times the mass of the Sun, evolve differently, transitioning from protostars to red supergiants, then undergoing a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining mass, they may become neutron stars or black holes.

1. Describe the initial stage of a Sun-like star's life cycle and explain the significance of the star-forming nebula.

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Answer explanation

The initial stage of a Sun-like star's life cycle is as a protostar, formed from a star-forming nebula. This nebula is crucial as it provides the gas and dust needed for star formation, leading to the birth of new stars.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

The diagram outlines the life cycles of stars, highlighting different stages for various types of stars. Sun-like stars begin their life in a star-forming nebula and progress through early stages as protostars. Over billions of years, they become red giants, then transition into planetary nebulae, and finally end their life cycles as white dwarfs.

In contrast, low mass stars, such as red dwarfs, can live for hundreds of billions of years. Massive stars, which are more than 8 to 10 times the mass of the Sun, evolve differently, transitioning from protostars to red supergiants, then undergoing a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining mass, they may become neutron stars or black holes.

1. What are the differences in life spans between low mass stars like red dwarfs and high mass stars?

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Answer explanation

Low mass stars like red dwarfs can live for hundreds of billions of years, while high mass stars have much shorter lifespans, typically only a few million years, due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.

The diagram outlines the life cycles of stars, highlighting different stages for various types of stars. Sun-like stars begin their life in a star-forming nebula and progress through early stages as protostars. Over billions of years, they become red giants, then transition into planetary nebulae, and finally end their life cycles as white dwarfs.

In contrast, low mass stars, such as red dwarfs, can live for hundreds of billions of years. Massive stars, which are more than 8 to 10 times the mass of the Sun, evolve differently, transitioning from protostars to red supergiants, then undergoing a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining mass, they may become neutron stars or black holes.

1. Discuss the transformation that occurs during the red giant phase for Sun-like stars. What happens next in their life cycle?

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Answer explanation

During the red giant phase, Sun-like stars expand and cool, fusing helium into heavier elements. After this, they shed their outer layers to form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a white dwarf as the final stage of their life cycle.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

The diagram outlines the life cycles of stars, highlighting different stages for various types of stars. Sun-like stars begin their life in a star-forming nebula and progress through early stages as protostars. Over billions of years, they become red giants, then transition into planetary nebulae, and finally end their life cycles as white dwarfs.

In contrast, low mass stars, such as red dwarfs, can live for hundreds of billions of years. Massive stars, which are more than 8 to 10 times the mass of the Sun, evolve differently, transitioning from protostars to red supergiants, then undergoing a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining mass, they may become neutron stars or black holes.

1. Explain the outcome of a massive star after a supernova explosion. What are the two possible remnants it can leave behind?

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Answer explanation

After a supernova explosion, a massive star can leave behind either a neutron star or a black hole, depending on the remaining mass of the core.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

The diagram outlines the life cycles of stars, highlighting different stages for various types of stars. Sun-like stars begin their life in a star-forming nebula and progress through early stages as protostars. Over billions of years, they become red giants, then transition into planetary nebulae, and finally end their life cycles as white dwarfs.

In contrast, low mass stars, such as red dwarfs, can live for hundreds of billions of years. Massive stars, which are more than 8 to 10 times the mass of the Sun, evolve differently, transitioning from protostars to red supergiants, then undergoing a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining mass, they may become neutron stars or black holes.

1. How does the life cycle of a star relate to the abundance of elements in the universe? What role do supernovae play in this process?

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Answer explanation

The life cycle of stars contributes to the abundance of elements through nucleosynthesis. Supernovae disperse heavy elements into space, enriching the interstellar medium, which forms new stars and planets, thus influencing elemental abundance.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

1. Describe the sequence of nucleosynthesis in a massive star from hydrogen to iron. Include the duration of each stage in your explanation.

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Answer explanation

Nucleosynthesis in a massive star begins with hydrogen burning (10 million years), then helium (1 million years), carbon (100,000 years), neon (10,000 years), oxygen (1,000 years), and finally iron (days), leading to supernova.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

1. Explain the significance of the core collapse phase in the life cycle of a massive star and its impact on element production.

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Answer explanation

The core collapse phase is crucial as it leads to supernova explosions, creating heavy elements like iron and beyond. This process enriches the interstellar medium, facilitating the formation of new stars and planets, thus impacting element production significantly.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

1. Discuss the implications of the rapid production of elements in the final stages of nucleosynthesis, particularly the transition from silicon to iron.

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Answer explanation

The rapid production of elements from silicon to iron during nucleosynthesis indicates a shift from fusion processes that release energy to those that consume it, leading to stellar collapse and supernova events.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

1. How does the duration of each nucleosynthesis stage affect the overall lifecycle and evolution of a massive star? Use specific examples from the table to support your answer.

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Answer explanation

The duration of nucleosynthesis stages, like hydrogen burning (10 million years) and carbon burning (1,000 years), dictates a star's evolution. Longer stages allow for stable fusion, while shorter stages lead to rapid changes, influencing supernova outcomes.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

1. Compare the nucleosynthesis process in massive stars to that of smaller stars. What are the key differences in the elements produced and the stages involved?

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Answer explanation

Massive stars undergo multiple fusion stages, producing heavier elements like iron, while smaller stars primarily fuse hydrogen into helium and produce lighter elements. This leads to different end products and supernovae in massive stars.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-3