Star Flashcards
:) (15 cards)
What is the universe made of and what evidence do we have for the origin of the universe?
The universe is made up of all space and matter within. It included dust gas, nebulas, stars, planets, and galaxies. There are multiple pieces of evidence used as to the origin of the universe. This includes the movement of galaxies (Doppler Shift), elements in space such as hydrogen and helium, dark matter, and cosmic background radiation.
Describe the life cycle of a low-mass star.
A low-mass star begins life in a nebula. once there is enough mass and gravity, nuclear fusion can begin in a protostar as a star is formed.
Where is Earth’s solar system located in the Milky Way Galaxy? How are galaxies categorized?
Our Solar System is located in the center of a spiral arm in the MIlky way Galaxy. Elliptical, spiral, and irregular galaxies.
What happens to stars when they die?
The death of a star depends on the mass of the star. A low-mass star will shed its outer layers (red giant stage) and become a white dwarf. A high-mass star, however, will supernova before either turning into a neutron star or black hole.
Is a lower mass or higher mass star hotter and more dense? How do you know?
High mass stars are hotter and more dense because of the color and higher temperature causing hydrogen and helium fusion to create denser elements. This makes high-mass stars more dense.
Explain how a scientific theory is more than a guess.
Scientific theories are developed and supported by evidence. While we cannot see the exact cause, scientists gather data and evidence, based on testing, to put their theories together.
How does a star’s size and temperature affect its brightness?
Size and temperature help determine the brightness because it is a measure of how much energy the star puts out. Therefore, the greater the surface area and the greater the temperature, the brighter the star.
Explain how a star’s mass relates to its color.
Mass helps determine the temperature of a star. The greater the mass, the greater the temperature. So, the higher temperatures will result in blue stars, while cooler stars will be red.
Describe all that you can about the Hertzsprung-Russel Diagram.
Characterizes stars by temperature and brightness. The top left are the hottest and the brightest, while the bottom right are the coolest and dimmest. We can make predictions on where it will next go in its life cycle according to where the star is on the main sequence.
What is a:
(A) Main Sequence Star
(B) Giant and Supergiant Star (C) Dwarf Star
(A): A star in the prime of its life. Most of its life will be spent here.
(B): A star towards the end of its life. It is running out of hydrogen and helium for nuclear fusion.
(C): A small star that will live a long time because it is not burning through its hydrogen as quickly. In the case of a white dwarf, it is the leftover core of a dead star.
The more hydrogen, the more stable as it will be able to do nuclear fusion.
Explain how a black hole forms.
After a supernova, the star contracts into a black hole, essentially collapsing in on itself.
Gas released into space from stars is used to create other stars and planets.
Low-mass star life cycle.
Main Sequence TO Red Giant TO White Dwarf
High-mass star life cycle.
Blue Main Sequence TO Supergiant TO Neutron Star OR Black Hole
