Life Cycle of a Star

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What is a protostar?

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A protostar is the initial stage in the life cycle of a star, where gas and dust begin to collapse under gravity, forming a dense core that will eventually become a star.

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What characterizes the main sequence stage of a star?

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The main sequence stage is characterized by stable nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium, which produces energy that keeps the star stable.

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What is a supernova?

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A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, resulting in the star's outer layers being expelled into space.

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What happens during the Red Giant phase?

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During the Red Giant phase, a star expands and cools after exhausting the hydrogen in its core, leading to the fusion of heavier elements.

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What is a planetary nebula?

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A planetary nebula is a shell of gas that is ejected from a star during the later stages of its life, particularly after the Red Giant phase.

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What is a white dwarf?

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A white dwarf is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers, typically very dense and hot.

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What is a black hole?

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A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it, often formed from the remnants of a massive star after a supernova.

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What is nuclear fusion?

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Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy, and is the primary source of energy in stars.

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What is the life cycle of a star?

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The life cycle of a star includes several stages: protostar, main sequence, red giant, and then either a supernova or a planetary nebula leading to a white dwarf or black hole.

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What is the significance of the main sequence in a star's life?

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The main sequence is the longest stage in a star's life, where it spends most of its time fusing hydrogen into helium and maintaining stability.