Which of the following phases lasts for the shortest time as a massive star evolves?
A) hydrogen burning
B) helium burning
C) oxygen burning
D) silicon burning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shortest phase during the evolution of a massive star is the silicon burning phase. This phase lasts only about one day before the supernova explosion occurs. During silicon burning, silicon fuses into iron, which is unstable and cannot release energy through fusion. Therefore, the core of the star cannot support itself against gravity, leading to the collapse and explosion of the star as a supernova.

Which of the Following Phases Lasts for the Shortest Time