The Life Cycle of a Star

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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 in a stellar nebula to its eventual death, which can result in a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, depending on its mass.

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What is a Stellar Nebula?

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A Stellar Nebula is a cosmic cloud of dust and gas that serves as the birthplace of stars. It is the first stage in the life cycle of a star.

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What happens during the Red Giant phase of a low-medium mass star?

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During the Red Giant phase, a low-medium mass star expands and cools after exhausting hydrogen in its core, leading to the fusion of helium and other heavier elements.

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What is a White Dwarf?

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A White Dwarf is the remnant core of a low-medium mass star that remains after it has shed its outer layers. It no longer undergoes nuclear fusion.

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What is a Planetary Nebula?

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A Planetary Nebula is formed when a red giant star expels its outer layers into space, creating a glowing shell of gas around the remaining core.

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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 ejected into space.

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What is a Neutron Star?

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A Neutron Star is the dense remnant of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion, composed mostly of neutrons.

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What is a Black Hole?

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A Black Hole is a region in space with a gravitational pull so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. It is formed from the remnants of a very high mass star after a supernova.

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What triggers the formation of a Black Hole?

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The formation of a Black Hole is triggered by the gravitational collapse of a massive star after it has exhausted its nuclear fuel and undergone a supernova.

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What is the final stage of a low mass star?

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The final stage of a low mass star is a White Dwarf.