Fusion and Star Cycle

Front

What is a Protostar?

Back

A Protostar is a hot ball of mostly hydrogen that forms from a nebula and is the stage before nuclear fusion begins.

Front

What is a White Dwarf?

Back

A White Dwarf is the hot inner core left over after a low-medium mass star has completed its red giant phase, where no nuclear fusion occurs.

Front

What is a Nebula?

Back

A Nebula is a cosmic cloud of dust and gas that serves as the birthplace of stars.

Front

What happens in the core of a star during nuclear fusion?

Back

In the core, Hydrogen fuses to form Helium.

Front

What is the significance of a Planetary Nebula?

Back

A Planetary Nebula is formed when a low-medium mass star sheds its outer layers, leaving behind a hot core.

Front

What is a Supernova?

Back

A Supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, leading to the formation of neutron stars or black holes.

Front

What is the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of gravity in star formation?

Back

Gravity causes a nebula to contract, leading to the formation of a protostar.

Front

What is a Neutron Star?

Back

A Neutron Star is the remnant core of a massive star after a supernova explosion, composed mostly of neutrons.

Front

What is the lifecycle of a low-medium mass star?

Back

The lifecycle includes stages: Nebula -> Protostar -> Main Sequence -> Red Giant -> White Dwarf.