Physics 105 Flashcard 2: Stellar Evolution and Navigation

Front

What is the element with the highest atomic mass among Iron, Oxygen, and Silicon?

Back

Iron has the highest atomic mass.

Front

What are the mass thresholds for a star to become a White Dwarf?

Back

0.8 M☉ - 8 M☉.

Front

What is a Protostar?

Back

A Protostar is a star that is not yet fusing Hydrogen.

Front

What is a key characteristic of a White Dwarf?

Back

A White Dwarf is held up by electron degeneracy pressure.

Front

Which star is the coldest among Barnard's Star, Pollux, Spica, and Alpha Centauri?

Back

Barnard's Star is the coldest.

Front

Define electron degeneracy pressure.

Back

Electron degeneracy pressure is the quantum mechanical pressure that arises from the Pauli exclusion principle, preventing electrons from occupying the same quantum state.

Front

What is the significance of a star's mass in stellar evolution?

Back

A star's mass determines its life cycle, including its evolution into a White Dwarf, Neutron Star, or Black Hole.

Front

What is the main process occurring in a star during the main sequence phase?

Back

Hydrogen fusion into Helium is the main process during the main sequence phase.

Front

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

Back

After exhausting hydrogen, a star expands into a Red Giant and may undergo further fusion processes.

Front

What is the role of an accretion disk in star formation?

Back

An accretion disk is a rotating disk of gas and dust that forms around a protostar, contributing to its mass.