After the helium flash in a red giant star, the star contracts because:
A)energy radiated to space during the helium flash cools the entire star, making it contract.
B)the electrons in the core become degenerate during the helium flash, reducing the volume occupied by the core.
C)the helium flash uses most of the helium in the star's core, reducing the energy produced in the core.
D)the star's deep interior expands and cools during the helium flash, reducing the energy produced by the hydrogen burning shell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The helium flash leads to an expansion and cooling of the star's deep interior, which in turn reduces the energy output from the hydrogen-burning shell surrounding the core. This reduction in energy output causes the star to contract.

After the Helium Flash in a Red Giant Star, the Star