Quarks to Cosmos Lecture Sheet 11
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Stellar Evolution (Sun)
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12 Terms
What balances hydrostatic equilibrium on the main sequence?
Gravity vs fusion pressure.
What element accumulates in the Sun's core during the main sequence?
Helium.
Does a solar-mass star stay the same during the main sequence?
No; it brightens and expands.
What happens as the Sun leaves the main sequence?
Core contracts, outer layers expand → red giant.
Appearance in red giant phase?
Bigger, cooler, redder, more luminous.
What is the helium flash?
Sudden He fusion in a degenerate core.
Why doesn’t the core expand during the helium flash?
Electron degeneracy pressure.
Triple-alpha process?
3 He → C.
What builds up during He burning?
Carbon and oxygen.
End of AGB phase produces?
Planetary nebula + white dwarf.
What stabilizes a white dwarf?
Electron degeneracy pressure.
What process heavy stars undergo that Sun will not?
Fusion to iron and core collapse (>8 solar masses).
Note 
Flashcards (36)