Life Cycle of a Star

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What is a star?

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A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity, undergoing nuclear fusion in its core.

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What is the life cycle of a star?

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The life cycle of a star includes stages such as stellar nebula, main sequence, red giant, and supernova, leading to the formation of neutron stars or black holes.

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What is a Stellar Nebula?

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A Stellar Nebula is a giant cloud of gas and dust in space where new stars are born.

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What is a Main Sequence Star?

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A Main Sequence Star is a stable star that is in the longest phase of its life cycle, fusing hydrogen into helium in its core.

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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 Supernova?

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

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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.

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What elements primarily make up the Sun?

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The Sun is primarily made up of hydrogen (about 74%) and helium (about 24%).

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What is the significance of a star's mass?

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A star's mass determines its life cycle, temperature, luminosity, and ultimate fate.

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What is a Neutron Star?

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A Neutron Star is the remnant core of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion, composed almost entirely of neutrons.