Which of the following statements about stages of nuclear burning (i.e. ,first-stage hydrogen burning,second-stage helium burning,etc. )in a massive star is not true?
A)Each successive stage of fusion requires higher temperatures than the previous stages.
B)As each stage ends,the core shrinks further.
C)Each successive stage creates an element with a higher atomic weight.
D)Each successive stage lasts for approximately the same amount of time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Each successive stage of nuclear burning does not last for approximately the same amount of time. The duration of each stage depends on the amount of fuel available for fusion and the rate at which the fuel is consumed. For example, first-stage hydrogen burning can last for millions of years, while second-stage helium burning may only last for hundreds or thousands of years.

Which of the Following Statements About Stages of Nuclear Burning