Life Cycle of A Star

Front

What is the life cycle of a star?

Back

The life cycle of a star includes several stages: stellar nebula, main sequence, red giant, and either a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, depending on the mass of the star.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

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

Front

What is the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

The main sequence phase is the stage in a star's life where it spends most of its time fusing hydrogen into helium in its core.

Front

What type of star is our sun classified as?

Back

Our sun is classified as a main sequence star.

Front

What happens to low mass stars after they exhaust hydrogen in their cores?

Back

Low mass stars expand into red giants after using up the hydrogen in their cores.

Front

What is the primary process that occurs in the core of a main sequence star?

Back

The primary process is nuclear fusion, where hydrogen is converted into helium, releasing energy.

Front

What are the end stages of a high mass star's life cycle?

Back

High mass stars end their life cycle in a supernova explosion, leaving behind a neutron star or black hole.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A red giant is a late stage in the life cycle of a star, characterized by expansion and cooling of the outer layers after hydrogen fusion has ceased.

Front

What is the significance of a star's mass in determining its life cycle?

Back

A star's mass determines its temperature, luminosity, and the stages it will go through in its life cycle, including its end state.

Front

What is stellar nucleosynthesis?

Back

Stellar nucleosynthesis is the process by which elements are formed within stars through nuclear fusion.