Life Cycle of Stars

Front

Stars are formed from big clouds of gas and dust is known as:

Back

nebulae

Answer explanation

Stars are formed from large clouds of gas and dust called nebulae. These regions are crucial for star formation, making 'nebulae' the correct answer, unlike the other options which do not refer to star-forming regions.

Front

The main force acting on a nebula is: thermal expansion, singularities, gravity, microscopic adhesion

Back

gravity

Answer explanation

The main force acting on a nebula is gravity, which pulls the gas and dust together, allowing the nebula to collapse and form stars. Other forces like thermal expansion and microscopic adhesion are not dominant in this context.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Front

When is a star born?

Back

nuclear fusion starts

Answer explanation

A star is born when nuclear fusion starts, as this process marks the transition from a protostar to a main-sequence star, generating energy and light.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

Front

The two forces battling it out for the stability of a star are gravitational forces and:
- singularity expansion
- chemical bonding forces
- tidal currents
- thermal forces (heat) through convection

Back

thermal forces (heat) through convection

Answer explanation

The stability of a star is maintained by the balance between gravitational forces pulling inward and thermal forces (heat) from nuclear fusion pushing outward, primarily through convection.

Front

A star that has fused all of the hydrogen present is called:

Back

Red Giant

Answer explanation

A star that has fused all of its hydrogen enters the Red Giant phase, where it expands and cools. This is a key stage in stellar evolution, distinguishing it from Neutron Stars, White Dwarfs, and Black Holes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

Front

When the outer layers of a Red Giant fly off, its remaining core becomes a: White Dwarf, Supernova, Red Supergiant, Black Hole

Back

White Dwarf

Answer explanation

When a Red Giant sheds its outer layers, the remaining core is left behind. This core, which is no longer undergoing fusion, cools and contracts to become a White Dwarf, marking the end of its life cycle.

Front

When a massive star begins to cool and expand it is known as a: Black Dwarf, Red Giant, Red Supergiant, White Dwarf

Back

Red Supergiant

Answer explanation

When a massive star cools and expands, it becomes a Red Supergiant. This phase occurs after the star has exhausted its hydrogen fuel and is characterized by a significant increase in size and a reddish hue.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

Front

When the core of a Red Supergiant collapses, a bright event occurs, known as: white dwarf, supernova, big bang, black hole

Back

supernova

Answer explanation

When a Red Supergiant's core collapses, it triggers a supernova, a powerful explosion marking the end of its life cycle. This event is characterized by a dramatic increase in brightness, unlike a white dwarf or black hole.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

Front

After a supernova, the core can collapse into a neutron star, or if massive enough it can become a: Black Hole, White Dwarf, Red Supergiant, Black Dwarf

Back

Black Hole

Answer explanation

After a supernova, if the core's mass exceeds a certain limit, it collapses into a black hole. Neutron stars form from less massive cores, while white dwarfs and black dwarfs are remnants of lower-mass stars.

Front

What is a Red Giant's outer atmosphere called when it drifts away?

Back

planetary nebula

Answer explanation

When a Red Giant sheds its outer layers, the resulting gas and dust form a planetary nebula. This phase occurs before the core collapses into a white dwarf, making 'planetary nebula' the correct term for this phenomenon.