The Life Cycle of Stars

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, resulting in the star's destruction.

Front

Is our sun one of the most massive stars in our galaxy?

Back

False. The sun is considered a medium-sized star, not one of the most massive.

Front

What is a neutron star?

Back

A neutron star is a small, very dense star that forms from the collapsed core of a massive star after a supernova.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust in space, often the birthplace of stars.

Front

What is a white dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is the hot, dense core of matter that remains after a low-mass star has exhausted its nuclear fuel and collapsed.

Front

What is the life cycle of a star?

Back

The life cycle of a star includes stages such as nebula, main sequence, red giant, supernova, and either neutron star or black hole.

Front

What happens to a massive star after it becomes a supernova?

Back

After a supernova, a massive star may leave behind a neutron star or a black hole, depending on its mass.

Front

What is the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

The main sequence is the longest phase in a star's life cycle where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A red giant is a late stage in a star's life cycle when it expands and cools after exhausting hydrogen in its core.

Front

What is the difference between a red dwarf and a white dwarf?

Back

A red dwarf is a small, cool star that is still in the main sequence phase, while a white dwarf is the remnant core of a low-mass star after it has shed its outer layers.