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Hedin Final Exam
ASTRO 100 Hedin lecture
19
Astronomy
Undergraduate 4
05/02/2012

Additional Astronomy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What is a planetary nebula and when is it formed?
Definition

A planetary nebula is Carbon flakes and gas that form after the cooling of the outer layers of a star after the all the Helium has been consumed

Term
What does the star producing the Planetary Nebula eventually become?
Definition
A white dwarf
Term
Will this be the fate of the Sun?
Definition
After a long period of time, yes.
Term
What stage comes after the planetary nebula?
Definition
The core becomes a white dwarf
Term
How does a dwarf star compare to our Sun in Size and temperature?
Definition
a white dwarf is 1/100 the size of our sun and it is much hotter
Term
How does a star become a nova?
Definition

When enough material builds up on the surface of a white dwarf, it causes an explosion, known as a nova.  

Term

What is the Chandrasekhar limit? 

Definition
1.4 solar masses
Term
What happens if it is exeeded?
Definition
It becomes a type 1A supernova
Term
How is a type 2 supernova produced?
Definition
when a type 1 supernova explodes
Term
How is a type 2 supernova different from a type 1 supernova?
Definition
The energy is much more powerful along with a brighter luminosity.
Term
What is left over in each case?
Definition
A neutron star or black hole, depending on the type of supernova.
Term

   What is the last element produced in the fusion furnace in the core of a massive star?  

Definition
Iron
Term
How could elements heavier than iron be produced?
Definition
neurosynthesis - neurons being captured in the star.
Term
What is the crab nebula and how was it formed?
Definition
The crab nebula is a supernova in the Taurus galaxy and it was formed by the supernova explosions
Term
What type of unique star exists in it now?
Definition
A neutron star
Term
What determines how quickly a star progresses through its life cycle?
Definition
The mass of the star
Term
What are the stages of stellar evolution for low-mass stars?
Definition

Low-mass: interstellar cloud; low mass star burning hydrogen; red giant phase 1; yellow giant phase; red giant phase 2; outer layers become planetary nebula; white dwarf

Term
What are the stages of stellar evolution for high-mass stars?
Definition

High-mass: interstellar cloud; protostar; massive star; pulsating yellow star; red supergiant; supergiant; supernova; neutron star or black hole

Term
What is the connection between neutron stars and pulsars?
Definition
They are the same exact thing.  Pulsars are neutron stars but not all neutron stars can be pulsars. 
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