5.2 Life Cycle of Stars Flashcard

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What is the life cycle of a star?

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The life cycle of a star refers to the series of stages a star goes through from its formation to its death, including stages like protostar, main sequence, red giant, and supernova or white dwarf.

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What defines a main-sequence star?

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A main-sequence star is defined as a star that is fusing hydrogen into helium in its core and is in a stable phase of its life cycle.

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What happens to a star after it exhausts its hydrogen fuel?

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After exhausting its hydrogen fuel, a star may expand into a red giant and begin fusing heavier elements, or it may collapse into a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole depending on its mass.

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How does the mass of a star affect its lifespan?

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More massive stars have shorter lifespans because they burn their fuel more quickly than less massive stars.

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What is helium fusion and when does it occur in a star's life cycle?

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Helium fusion occurs when a star has exhausted its hydrogen fuel and begins to fuse helium into heavier elements, typically in the later stages of its life cycle.

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What is a red giant?

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A red giant is a late stage in the life cycle of a star where it has expanded and cooled after exhausting its hydrogen fuel.

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What is a supernova?

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A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a massive star's life cycle, resulting in the star's outer layers being expelled into space.

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What is a white dwarf?

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A white dwarf is the remnant core of a star that has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers, typically very dense and hot.

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What role does nuclear fusion play in a star's life?

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Nuclear fusion is the process that powers a star, converting hydrogen into helium and releasing energy that provides the star's light and heat.

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What is the significance of a star's color in relation to its temperature?

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A star's color indicates its temperature; hotter stars appear blue or white, while cooler stars appear red or orange.