Star Life Cycle

Question 1

Nebula

Answer 1

A huge cloud of dust formed by supernovae. Particles collect due to gravitational attraction, and eventually form stars in a collapse which generates enough heat and energy to begin the star’s main sequence.
Nebulae are mostly hydrogen and helium.

Question 2

Average Star

Answer 2

The main sequence of a star’s life. Atoms fuse to form helium in nuclear reactions, releasing lots of energy.

The Sun is considered an average star in terms of size and temperature.

Question 3

Red Giant

Answer 3

When the star runs out of hydrogen fuel, it expands.

Question 4

White Dwarf

Answer 4

The star sheds a layer of gas (this is a planetary nebula). It gives off heat due to leftover energy and continues to cool.

Question 5

Black Dwarf

Answer 5

After the star cools, and no energy is left, all that remains is a lump of helium.

Question 6

Massive Star

Answer 6

Forms the same way as an average star. 5x the mass of Earth’s sun.

Question 7

Red Super Giant

Answer 7

A larger form of a Red Giant, which forms for the same reasons, just from Massive Stars.

Question 8

Supernova

Answer 8

The collapse of a Red Super Giant in a large implosion. Gas and dust scatter, forming nebulae. May form neutron star or black hole.

Question 9

Neutron Star

Answer 9

The core of the star is left. It is made of neutrons, due to the elimination reaction of electrons and protons, fused together by extreme gravitational force. Neutron stars are the densest things in the universe after black holes. They are really fucking cool.

Question 10

Black Hole

Answer 10

If the star is large enough, it will collapse into a black hole after the supernova. It is the densest thing in the universe, with gravity so great that light cannot escape, and with a singularity that is infinitely small in volume and infinitely massive in mass.