What processes occur during the lifecycle of a star and how do these processes lead to different final stages for stars of various sizes?
Answer 1
Tina Wilson
The lifecycle of a star begins with the gravitational collapse of a molecular cloud to form a protostar. As the core temperature rises, nuclear fusion ignites, converting hydrogen into helium during the main sequence phase. For low-mass stars, this leads to the red giant phase, followed by shedding outer layers to form a planetary nebula, leaving behind a white dwarf. High-mass stars become supergiants, and after exhausting nuclear fuel, they undergo a supernova explosion, leaving either a neutron star or a black hole.
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