The Sun
During nuclear fusion, what happens to the total number of protons and neutrons?
Stays the Same (Law of Conservation of Matter!)
These are cooler, darker areas on the Sun’s surface.
This is the longest and most stable stage of a star’s life.
What is the main sequence?
This factor determines how a star will live and die.
Mass
These dark lines in a spectrum show what elements are present.
What are absorption lines?
Energy in the Sun is produced in this layer.
What is the core?
This is a sudden explosion of energy caused by magnetic activity.
What is a solar flare?
Stars form in these clouds of gas and dust.
What is a nebula?
Low-mass stars end their lives as this object.
What is a white dwarf?
This part of the EM spectrum is most useful for identifying elements in stars.
What is visible light?
This balance of forces prevents the Sun from exploding.
What is gravity vs. outward pressure (hydrostatic equilibrium)?
This solar feature is a large loop of gas extending into the corona.
What is a prominence?
This early stage of star formation occurs before fusion begins.
What is a protostar?
What is an important result of a supernova explosion?
During fusion in the Sun, hydrogen is converted into this element.
What is helium?
What happens to a Sun-like star after it leaves the main sequence?
Sunspots follow this approximate cycle length.
What is about 11 years?
This type of star is small, cool, and located on the main sequence.
What is a red dwarf?
Elements heavier than iron are formed during this event.
Supernova
This graph shows the relationship between temperature and brightness of stars.
What is the H-R diagram?
Energy moves through the Sun in this correct order of zones.
What is core → radiative zone → convective zone → photosphere?
This layer is the visible “surface” of the Sun.
Photosphere
Which type of star is the hottest: red, yellow, white, or blue?
White
In this stage, a low-mass star expands greatly and cools.
What is a red giant?
Explain why massive stars live shorter lives even though they have more fuel.
They burn fuel much faster due to higher pressure and temperature in their cores.