For a star of Sun-like mass, what is the last stage of the nuclear fusion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For Sun-like stars, the last stage of nuclear fusion is helium burning, where helium nuclei combine to form carbon and oxygen. This stage of fusion requires much higher temperatures and pressures compared to the hydrogen to helium fusion that occurs earlier in a star's lifetime. After helium burning, the star will undergo further stages of fusion depending on its mass, which may include carbon fusion, neon fusion, silicon fusion, and ultimately end in iron fusion. However, a Sun-like star does not have enough mass to continue fusing beyond helium and will eventually end its life as a white dwarf.

For a Star of Sun-Like Mass, What Is the Last