Star Lifecycles and Fate

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What happens to a stable star when the hydrogen runs out?

It collapses into a black hole.

It remains unchanged until it cools down.

It explodes into a supernova.

It begins fusing helium into carbon. (correct)

What is the eventual fate of our Sun in approximately 5 billion years?

It will become a white dwarf.

It will expand into a red giant. (correct)

It will turn into a neutron star.

It will explode as a red supergiant.

What effect does gravity have on a star as it runs out of fuel?

It causes the outer layers to contract and cool.

It halts all nuclear processes within the star.

It causes the star to expand dramatically.

It leads to further nuclear reactions and contraction. (correct)

Which stage does a massive star enter after exhausting its hydrogen fuel?

Red supergiant. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of a red giant star?

It expands well beyond its former size. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a sun-like star after it becomes a white dwarf?

It eventually fades into a cold, dark black dwarf. Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate result of fusion ending in a massive star?

The star collapses quickly due to gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage does a sun-like star go through before becoming a white dwarf?

It becomes a red giant. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a massive star after a supernova, if it is not completely destroyed?

It may become a neutron star or a black hole. Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the collapse of a sun-like star after fusion ends?

The decrease in heat leading to reduced pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a neutron star characterized by?

A rapidly spinning object about 30km in diameter. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of black holes?

Their gravity is strong enough to prevent light from escaping. Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists primarily learn about black holes?

Through the effects on nearby stars and materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the size of a neutron star?

It is around 30 kilometers in diameter. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement differentiates black holes from neutron stars?

Black holes have a density unable to let light escape, unlike neutron stars. Signup and view all the answers

What significant comparison did the two scientists make regarding stars?

The surface temperature of stars and their brightness Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the main sequence on the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram?

90% of all stars fit into this category Signup and view all the answers

Where is the sun located in the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram?

In the middle of the main sequence Signup and view all the answers

Which groups of stars are considered exceptions to the main sequence pattern?

Super giants and white dwarfs Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram illustrate about the nature of stars?

Stars evolve and change over long periods of time Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether a star is classified as sun-like or massive?

The mass of the star Signup and view all the answers

What do stars primarily convert during most of their life cycle?

Hydrogen to helium Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a star runs out of hydrogen fuel?

It can undergo a transformation based on its mass Signup and view all the answers

How long can stars remain in a stable state?

Millions to billions of years Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the formation of a star from a nebula?

The compression of gas and dust by gravity Signup and view all the answers

What happens to stars once their hydrogen fuel is depleted?

They exhaust their fusion process and change state Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature that can be reached at the core of a star during its formation?

10,000,000°C Signup and view all the answers

What process begins when the temperature at a star's core reaches extreme levels?

Fusion of hydrogen into helium Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a star after its birth?

It emits radiation for millions or billions of years Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate composition of the gas in a nebula where stars are formed?

75% H and 23% He Signup and view all the answers

What are constellations primarily defined as?

Groupings of stars that create patterns Signup and view all the answers

How many constellations are officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union?

88 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes asterisms from constellations?

Asterisms are unofficially recognized groupings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an asterism?

The Big Dipper Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about Ursa Major?

It is a constellation recognized by the IAU Signup and view all the answers

What is the asterism associated with the Pleiades cluster?

The Seven Sisters Signup and view all the answers

What consequence did Poseidon impose on Cassiopeia for her arrogance?

He sent Cetus the whale to destroy her homeland Signup and view all the answers

How is Cassiopeia represented in the heavens?

Tied to a chair Signup and view all the answers

Who were Cassiopeia's rivals that were angered by her beauty?

The sea nymphs Signup and view all the answers

What does the myth of Cassiopeia illustrate about pride and punishment?

Pride may result in divine retribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an elliptical galaxy?

It is mostly made up of old stars. Signup and view all the answers