Question

Which of the following correctly lists the stages in the life cycle of a massive star (more than ten times the mass of our sun)? A. Protostar, hydrogen-burning, helium-burning, gravitational collapse, planetary nebula, white dwarf B. Protostar, main sequence, red giant, gravitational collapse, white dwarf, planetary nebula C. Protostar, hydrogen-burning, helium-burning, gravitational collapse, supernova, planetary nebula D. Protostar, main sequence, red giant, gravitational collapse, supernova, black hole

Answer 1

The stages of a massive star's life cycle, in order, are Protostar, Main Sequence, Red Giant, Gravitational Collapse, Supernova, and Black Hole. The star starts as a Protostar, enters the Main Sequence phase, then expands to a Red Giant. When fusion ceases, it undergoes Gravitational Collapse, then explodes as a Supernova, potentially forming a Black Hole.

Step-by-step explanation:

The life cycle of a massive star, one that is over ten times the mass of our Sun, unfolds as follows:

1. Protostar: The star begins as a protostar, born from contracting gas and dust.
2. Main Sequence: The star then enters the main sequence phase, where hydrogen is fused to create helium. This phase can last billions of years.
3. Red Giant: As the star exhausts its hydrogen supply, its core contracts while its outer layers expand, forming a red giant.
4. Gravitational collapse: When fusion ceases, gravity causes the star to collapse.
5. Supernova: The star's collapse triggers a dramatic explosion known as a supernova.
6. Black Hole: If the star was sufficiently massive, the remnants of the core compress to a point of almost infinite density, creating a black hole.

In conclusion, the correct order of the stages in the life cycle of a massive star is: protostar, main sequence, red giant, gravitational collapse, supernova, black hole.

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