H-R diagram Flashcard

Front

What is the H-R diagram?

Back

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is a scatter plot of stars showing the relationship between their absolute magnitudes or luminosities versus their stellar classifications or effective temperatures.

Front

What does the Main Sequence represent in the H-R diagram?

Back

The Main Sequence is a continuous and distinctive band of stars that appears on the H-R diagram, where stars spend most of their lives fusing hydrogen into helium.

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What are Red Giants?

Back

Red Giants are large stars that have expanded and cooled, resulting in a reddish appearance. They are found above the Main Sequence on the H-R diagram.

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What are White Dwarfs?

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White Dwarfs are small, dense stars that are the remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and are found below the Main Sequence on the H-R diagram.

Front

What is Luminosity?

Back

Luminosity is the total amount of energy emitted by a star per unit of time, often measured in watts.

Front

What is the significance of a star's color on the H-R diagram?

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A star's color indicates its temperature; blue stars are hotter, while red stars are cooler.

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Where does our Sun lie on the H-R diagram?

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The Sun is located on the Main Sequence, which is where it spends most of its life.

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What are Blue Supergiants?

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Blue Supergiants are very large and hot stars that are found at the upper left of the H-R diagram, known for their high luminosity.

Front

What is the relationship between a star's mass and its position on the H-R diagram?

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Generally, more massive stars are found on the upper left of the H-R diagram, while less massive stars are found on the lower right.

Front

What happens to a star after it leaves the Main Sequence?

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After exhausting hydrogen in its core, a star may expand into a Red Giant or Supergiant, depending on its mass.