Only low mass stars experience the temporary instability of the helium flash; high mass stars go directly into heavier element formation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Low mass stars (less than about 2.5 solar masses) experience the helium flash, a sudden onset of helium burning in their cores due to high temperature and pressure conditions. High mass stars have cores hot and dense enough to start helium burning smoothly, without a flash, and can proceed to fuse heavier elements directly.

Only Low Mass Stars Experience the Temporary Instability of the Helium