What determines if a star becomes a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole?
A)The principal factor is mass
B)The principal factor is density
C)The principal factor is temperature
D)The principal factor is luminosity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principal factor that determines if a star becomes a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole is mass. Specifically, the mass of the star at the end of its life determines which of these three possible outcomes it will experience. Stars with masses less than about 8 times that of the Sun become white dwarfs, stars with masses between about 8 and 25 times that of the Sun become neutron stars, and stars with masses greater than about 25 times that of the Sun become black holes. Density, temperature, and luminosity are also important factors in the lives of stars, but they do not determine which of these three endpoints a star will ultimately reach.

What Determines If a Star Becomes a White Dwarf, a Neutron