Astronomy Unit 2.1 - Lifecycle of Stars

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

An enormous explosion that occurs when a massive star dies.

Front

What distinguishes a massive star from a low/medium mass star?

Back

The primary difference is mass/size.

Front

What stage do stars spend most of their time in?

Back

Main sequence.

Front

What happens at the end of the red giant phase in a high mass star?

Back

The star rapidly collapses, leading to a massive explosion called a supernova.

Front

Which type of star has the shortest lifespan?

Back

Very High Mass Star.

Front

Define a black hole.

Back

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

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

The process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is a stellar nebula?

Back

A giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A late stage in the life cycle of a star, characterized by a large size and a reddish color.

Front

What is a white dwarf?

Back

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