Flashcard on Stellar Equilibrium and Life Cycle

Front

What is the primary force that pulls the gas inward in a star?

Back

Gravity

Front

What process releases a lot of energy in the core of a star?

Back

Nuclear fusion

Front

What happens when the core of a star gets too hot?

Back

The forces pushing out become stronger than gravity

Front

What is the phase called when a star like the Sun becomes puffy and red?

Back

Red giant

Front

What is the final stage of a star like the Sun after it runs out of hydrogen?

Back

White dwarf

Front

What is the process called when a massive star explodes?

Back

Supernova

Front

More energy is needed to fuse _______ than what is released, causing the star to collapse.

Back

Iron

Front

What is formed when the core of an exploded star is so massive that the forces cannot balance gravity?

Back

Black hole

Front

After a supergiant, a high mass star explodes and forms a ________.

Back

supernova

Front

What causes a star to enter into the red giant stage of a star?

Back

The star runs out of Hydrogen.