Question 1

High mass stars are those above ___ solar masses.&#10;A) 5&#10;B) 1.4&#10;C) 3&#10;D) 8

Accepted Answer

High mass stars are those above 8 solar masses. This classification is used in astrophysics to distinguish between stars of different mass ranges, with those above 8 solar masses being capable of undergoing more complex evolutionary processes, including ending their lives as supernovae.

Question 2

The production of heavy atoms from light atoms inside of a star is called ___.&#10;A) proton-proton cycle&#10;B) CNO cycle&#10;C) nucleosynthesis&#10;D) helium flash

Accepted Answer

Nucleosynthesis is the process that creates new atomic nuclei from pre-existing nucleons, primarily protons and neutrons. This process is responsible for the production of heavy atoms from lighter ones inside of stars.

Question 3

A type ___ supernova is a single massive star exploding.&#10;A) Ia&#10;B) II&#10;C) III&#10;D) IV

Accepted Answer

Type II supernovas occur when a single massive star runs out of nuclear fuel and its core collapses, leading to a catastrophic explosion.

Question 4

The last fusion stage in a massive star is&#10;A) iron to silicon&#10;B) oxygen to silicon&#10;C) neon to oxygen&#10;D) silicon to iron

Accepted Answer

The last fusion stage in a massive star is the fusion of silicon into iron. This process occurs when the star has exhausted all other fuel sources, and the creation of iron does not produce energy to support the star against gravitational collapse, leading to a supernova.

Question 5

A supernova explosion of a star that has lost its hydrogen shell would be a supernova of type _______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A supernova explosion of a star that...

Question 6

When nuclei get close enough in the fusion process the _________ force then takes over.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When nuclei get close enough in the...

Question 7

Large massive stars create a series of nested shells of fusion as they age.

Accepted Answer

As large massive stars age, they indeed create a series of nested shells of fusion, where different elements are fused in layers, starting with hydrogen in the outermost shell and moving to heavier elements like helium, carbon, and so on, towards the core. This process occurs because the core contracts and heats up as it runs out of fuel for fusion, allowing fusion of heavier elements in successive layers.

Deck 67: Old Age and Death of Massive Stars