Astrophysics: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Key Concepts Exam questions and answers
Astrophysics: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Key Concepts Exam questions and answers What determines how long a star stays on the main sequence? - Mass — more mass = shorter life. Why do low-mass stars become red giants? - Core contracts, outer layers expand because hydrogen fusion moves to a shell. What happens in the core of a red giant? - Hydrogen shell fusion around an inert helium core. What causes a high-mass star to explode as a supernova? - Iron builds up in the core → no energy from fusion → collapse. Which stars are youngest? - Hot, blue O/B stars. What supports a white dwarf from collapsing? - Electron degeneracy pressure.
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astrophysics stars galaxies and cosmology key
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