Stages of Star Formation and Evolution Quiz

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Which process is responsible for the formation of light elements such as Hydrogen and Helium?

Big bang nucleosynthesis (correct)

Supernova nucleosynthesis

Terrestrial nucleosynthesis

Stellar nucleosynthesis

Which element is the lightest and at the same time the most abundant in outer space?

Hydrogen (correct)

Lithium

Iron

Helium

How are heavier elements formed?

Through nuclear fission

Through combustion

Through nuclear fusion (correct)

Through nuclear synthesis

Which of the following is a major factor in determining the life span of a star?

Mass of the star Signup and view all the answers

In which stage do massive stars explode and release large amounts of energy?

Supernova Signup and view all the answers

What period in a star's life is the fusing of hydrogen into helium the primary process?

Main sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which heavy elements are formed in the universe?

Rapid neutron capture (r-process) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the core of a red giant star as it exhausts its nuclear fuel?

It starts to collapse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the slow (s-process) and rapid (r-process) neutron capture?

The s-process occurs during the red giant phase, while the r-process occurs during supernovae Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the life cycle of a star?

The star's mass Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial state of a star before it begins its life cycle?

Stellar nebula Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the $r$-process in the formation of heavy elements?

It increases the number of neutrons in the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the main nuclear reaction that occurs during the main sequence phase of a low-mass star's life cycle?

Fusion of hydrogen into helium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary force responsible for the initial contraction of a stellar nebula, leading to star formation?

Gravitational force Signup and view all the answers

In the life cycle of a high-mass star, what is the primary reason for its shorter main sequence phase compared to low-mass stars?

Higher temperature and luminosity, leading to faster fuel consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of heavy elements like iron, gold, and uranium in the universe?

Supernova nucleosynthesis in high-mass stars Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage in the life cycle of a low-mass star like the Sun?

White dwarf remnant Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process responsible for the formation of light elements like helium, lithium, and beryllium in the universe?

Big Bang nucleosynthesis in the early universe Signup and view all the answers