Astronomy Stars and Stellar Evolution 3

Question 1

What is the final fate of a low-mass star like the Sun?

Accepted Answer

A white dwarf

Answer

Low-mass stars shed their outer layers and leave behind a dense white dwarf.

Question 2

A planetary nebula is produced by which type of star?

Accepted Answer

A dying low-to-medium-mass star

Answer

Planetary nebulae are glowing shells of gas ejected by dying Sun-like stars.

Question 3

What supports a white dwarf against further gravitational collapse?

Accepted Answer

Electron degeneracy pressure

Answer

Electron degeneracy pressure, a quantum effect, halts a white dwarf's collapse.

Question 4

The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass of what object?

Accepted Answer

A white dwarf

Answer

Above the Chandrasekhar limit (~1.4 solar masses), a white dwarf cannot support itself.

Question 5

Which element begins to accumulate in the core of a very massive star just before it explodes?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Answer

Iron cannot release energy through fusion, triggering the core collapse of massive stars.

Astronomy Practice Test