Life Cycle of a Star

Front

What is the life cycle of a low mass star?

Back

The life cycle of a low mass star includes the following stages: Stellar Nebula -> Protostar -> Main Sequence Star -> Red Giant -> Planetary Nebula -> White Dwarf.

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

A protostar is a hot ball of mostly hydrogen that forms from a stellar nebula. At this stage, nuclear fusion has not yet started.

Front

What happens during the red giant phase of a high mass star?

Back

During the red giant phase, a high mass star expands and cools, eventually leading to a rapid collapse due to gravity.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a massive explosion that occurs at the end of a high mass star's red giant phase, caused by the rapid collapse of the star.

Front

What is the final stage of a low mass star?

Back

The final stage of a low mass star is a White Dwarf.

Front

What is the final stage of a high mass star?

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The final stage of a high mass star is a Neutron Star.

Front

What is the final stage of a very high mass star?

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The final stage of a very high mass star is a 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 in the process. It is the process that powers stars.

Front

What role does gravity play in the life cycle of a star?

Back

Gravity causes the collapse of a star at various stages of its life cycle, leading to phenomena such as supernovae and the formation of neutron stars and black holes.

Front

What is a stellar nebula?

Back

A stellar nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust in space, which is the birthplace of stars.