Stellar Evolution

What is the primary reason for the expansion of a star during its red giant phase?

• Increased nuclear fusion

• Decreased gravitational pull

• Formation of a planetary nebula

• Expansion due to increased internal pressure

What is the primary composition of a white dwarf?

• Hydrogen and helium

• Carbon and oxygen

• Iron

• Neon

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

What is the remnant left behind after a massive star undergoes a supernova explosion?

• White dwarf

• Neutron star

• Black hole

• Red giant

What process initiates the birth of a star?

• Gravitational collapse

• Nuclear fusion

• Supernova explosion

• Stellar collision

What is the primary energy source of a main-sequence star?

• Gravitational potential energy

• Nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium

• Nuclear fusion of helium into heavier elements

• Gravitational contraction

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

What is the final stage in the evolution of a high-mass star?

• Black hole

• Planetary nebula

• Red giant

• White dwarf

Which phase of stellar evolution involves the core collapse of a massive star and a rebounding shockwave?

• Red giant phase

• Protostar phase

• Supernova phase

• White dwarf phase

The end of a star's life is determined primarily by its:

• Initial mass

• Luminosity

• Distance from other stars

• Color

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

What is the approximate mass range for a star to become a black hole at the end of its life?

• Less than 0.5 solar masses

• Between 0.5 and 8 solar masses

• Between 8 and 20 solar masses

• Greater than 20 solar masses

Which phase of stellar evolution immediately follows the main-sequence phase?

• Red giant phase

• White dwarf phase

• Protostar phase

• Neutron star phase