Lifecycle of Stars Flashcard 2024

Front

What is a high mass star?

Back

A high mass star is a star that has a mass significantly greater than that of the Sun, typically more than 8 solar masses. It undergoes different evolutionary processes compared to low/medium mass stars.

Front

What happens to a white dwarf after billions of years?

Back

After billions of years, a white dwarf cools down and becomes a black dwarf, which is a theoretical stellar remnant that no longer emits significant heat or light.

Front

What is the correct sequence of star development?

Back

The correct sequence is: Nebula, Main Sequence, Red Giant.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A star is a huge ball of gas held together by gravity, with a central core that is extremely hot and produces energy through nuclear fusion.

Front

What stage do stars spend most of their time in?

Back

Stars spend most of their time in the main sequence stage, where they fuse hydrogen into helium.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

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

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

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

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A red giant is a late stage in the life cycle of a star, where it expands and cools after exhausting the hydrogen in its core.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

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