Astronomy Ranking Task: Star Evolution Exercise #1 Description: The figures belo

Question

Astronomy Ranking Task: Star Evolution Exercise #1 Description: The figures below show main sequence stars of various sizes. A) Ranking Instructions: Rank, from least to most, the mass of the stars: Ranking Order: Least 134 Most 1l the stars would have the same mass: (indicate with check mark) Carefully explain your reasoning for ranking this way: B) Ranking Instructions: Rank, form hottest to coolest, the temperature of the stars: Ranking Order: Hottest 1--2 3 4 5 All the stars would have the same temperature: Carefully explain your reasoning for ranking this way: Coolest (indicate with check mark) Carfuly esplain young for ranking this w

Explanation / Answer

1) E< B <D< A < C

The mass of the stars in the sequence of the star formation will not be same. With decreasng in the temperature of the inner core of the star it looses its source of energy thus reduces in size.

2) C> A> D>B>E

No, the temperature of the stars varies with the size. Larger is the size hotter is its inner core. It is when the star begins nuclear fusion that it enters the Main Sequence. It will stay on the Main Sequence as long as it is fusing atoms in its core. Hydrogen fuses into helium which then fuses into carbon, then oxygen, then every element until iron. When almost all of the hydrogen, the core will collapse, raising the temperature to the point where helium will begin fusing. The heat energy from helium fusion pushes the outer layers of the star further from the core, making the star get bigger. Being far away from the core, the outer layers will cool and turn red and red giant is formed. After res giant, It burns through the helium fast and the core collapses more and starts fusing carbon. Eventually, the energy from the core throws the outer layers away from the star creating a planetary nebula and eveantually into white dwarf.

c) C> A> D>B>E

No, the stars will not have same luminosity, it varies with Stefan–Boltzmann law, which relates the luminosity L with the radius R and the surface temperature. Higher of the mass higher is the luminosity.

D) C> A> D>B>E

No, stars have different lifetime. The amount of fuel available for nuclear fusion is proportional to the mass of the star. more massive stars have more fuel to burn and might be expected to last longer, they also must radiate a proportionately greater amount with increased mass. It takes fraction of seconds to collapse into white dwarf.

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