Low mass stars Flashcards
1
Q
What stars are classified as low mass?
A
0.5-10 solar masses
2
Q
What happens as nuclear fusion decreases?
A
temperature decreases, decrease in radiation and gas pressure
3
Q
What is the consequence of decrease in pressure?
A
Outer layer of the star is pushed away from the core, creating a red giant.
Surface temp of star decreases
layers are pushed a certain distance away causing supernova.
4
Q
What is a white dwarf?
A
The remaining core after a supernova
5
Q
What are the features of a white dwarf?
A
High temperatures, no fusion, high density.
6
Q
What is electron degeneracy pressure?
A
stops complete gravitational collapse in white dwarfs
only applies if core is less than 1.44M (Chandrasekhar limit)
