Ch 7 Study Guide

Front

What is a Main Sequence Star?

Back

A Main Sequence Star is a star that is in the stable phase of its life cycle, where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.

Front

What is the second stage of star formation?

Back

The second stage of star formation is the protostar stage, where a dense region of gas and dust begins to collapse under gravity.

Front

What is the primary fuel for a main-sequence star?

Back

The primary fuel for a main-sequence star is hydrogen.

Front

What color are the smallest stars on the HR diagram?

Back

The smallest stars on the HR diagram are red.

Front

Which star has the lowest temperature?

Back

The star with the lowest temperature is typically a red dwarf star.

Front

What is the HR diagram?

Back

The HR diagram (Hertzsprung-Russell diagram) is a scatter plot of stars showing the relationship between their absolute magnitudes or luminosities versus their stellar classifications or effective temperatures.

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

A protostar is an early stage in the formation of a star, where a cloud of gas and dust collapses under gravity and begins to heat up.

Front

What happens during the main sequence phase of a star's life?

Back

During the main sequence phase, a star fuses hydrogen into helium in its core, producing energy that balances the gravitational collapse.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A red giant is a late stage in the life cycle of a star, where it has exhausted the hydrogen in its core and has expanded and cooled.

Front

What is a neutron star?

Back

A neutron star is the remnant core of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion, composed almost entirely of neutrons.