Chapter 29 Stars

The formation of a star beings with a cloud of interstellar gas and dust which collapses on itself as a result of gravity is called a

• nebula
• protostar

Which characterisitc of a star determines it’s evolutionary path?

• temperature
• mass

This process provides the fuel for a star (and is also responsible for providing the forces needed to balance gravity).

• nuclear fission
• nuclear fusion

An average star, like our sun, will end its life as what?

• red giant
• white dwarf
• blackhole 

A white dwarf will not collapse completely from gravity because of the _____ pressure, which counteracts gravity.

• electron
• proton

Some massive stars can form into an object that beams light out in specific directions, called a _____.

• neutron star
• pulsar

During the main-sequence phase of a star’s life, what nuclear reaction is occurring?

• hydrogen is fusing to form carbon
• hydrogen is fusing to form helium

A nebula collapses on itself as a result of its high _______.

• temperature
• gravity

The resistance of a star’s core to being squeezed halts the collapse of the core and the core becomes a

• neutron star
• red dwarf
• protostar

What unit of measure listed represents the greatest distance?

• parsec
• light year