Review - Life of a Star and HR Diagram

Front

What is absolute magnitude?

Back

Absolute magnitude is a measure of the intrinsic brightness of a star, defined as the brightness a star would have at a distance of 10 parsecs from Earth.

Front

Which absolute magnitude value indicates the brightest star?

Back

The brightest star has the lowest absolute magnitude value, with -5 being brighter than 0 or 10.

Front

What is a White Dwarf?

Back

A White Dwarf is a small, dense star that is the remnant of a low to medium mass star, and it is generally dimmer than the Sun.

Front

What happens to high mass stars at the end of their life cycle?

Back

High mass stars end their life cycle in a supernova explosion.

Front

What is nuclear fusion in stars?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process by which hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing energy that powers the star.

Front

What is the main sequence in the HR Diagram?

Back

The main sequence is a continuous band of stars that ranges from hot, bright stars to cool, dim stars, where most stars, including the Sun, are found.

Front

What percentage of stars are main sequence stars?

Back

Ninety percent of all stars are classified as main sequence stars.

Front

What is a Supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a high mass star's life cycle.

Front

What is a Red Giant?

Back

A Red Giant is a late stage in the life cycle of a star, characterized by a large size and a reddish color, occurring after the main sequence phase.

Front

What is a Black Hole?

Back

A Black Hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.