The Life Cycle of a Star Unit Part 1 2024

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle, often resulting in the formation of a neutron star or black hole.

Front

What are nebulae?

Back

Nebulae are vast clouds of gas and dust in space where stars are born.

Front

What is the life cycle of a small to medium mass star?

Back

Nebula, main sequence star, red giant, planetary nebula, white dwarf, black dwarf.

Front

What happens to a star after it becomes a red giant?

Back

It sheds its outer layers to form a planetary nebula and leaves behind a white dwarf.

Front

What is the main process occurring in the cores of main sequence stars?

Back

Main sequence stars are actively fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores.

Front

Can a star go supernova more than once?

Back

No, a star can only go supernova once.

Front

What is a neutron star?

Back

A neutron star is the remnant core of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion, composed mostly of neutrons.

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 a white dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is a small, dense star that is the remnant of a low to medium mass star after it has exhausted its nuclear fuel.

Front

What is the difference between a red giant and a red supergiant?

Back

A red giant is a star that has expanded and cooled after exhausting hydrogen in its core, while a red supergiant is a much larger star that has gone through similar processes but is more massive.