This diagram represents the life track of a 1 solar mass star. Refer to the life stages labeled with roman numerals. What will happen to the star after stage viii?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After stage viii, the star will enter the final stage of its life cycle and eject its outer layers to form a planetary nebula. The core will then shrink and become a white dwarf. This is the typical fate of a low to medium mass star like the one shown in the diagram. Option B is incorrect because carbon fusion does not occur in low to medium mass stars. Option C is also incorrect because supernovae are only produced by more massive stars, and the diagram shows a 1 solar mass star. Option D is incorrect because stage viii (the red giant stage) is not a stable state, and the star will not remain in this stage for another 10 billion years.

This Diagram Represents the Life Track of a 1 Solar