Life Cycle of a Star

Front

What is the term used for a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and collapsed to a very small size?

Back

White Dwarf

Front

What is a White Dwarf?

Back

A white dwarf is the remnant of a low to medium mass star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel.

Front

What is the first stage in the life cycle of a star?

Back

Protostar

Front

What causes a star to become a Red Giant?

Back

Exhaustion of core hydrogen fuel and burning of helium in the core.

Front

What happens to a star after the Red Giant phase?

Back

Planetary Nebula.

Front

What is a Protostar?

Back

A protostar is an early stage in the formation of a star, where gas and dust collapse under gravity.

Front

What is the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

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

Front

What is a Supernova?

Back

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

Front

What is a Red Giant?

Back

A red giant is a late stage in a star's life cycle characterized by expansion and cooling after hydrogen fuel is exhausted.

Front

What is a Planetary Nebula?

Back

A planetary nebula is a shell of gas ejected from a star during the late stages of its evolution, often surrounding a white dwarf.