Stellar Death: Evolution of Low-Mass Stars

A set of flashcards covering vocabulary related to the evolution and death of low-mass stars, ideal for understanding key concepts and terms.

Low-Mass Stars

Stars with masses between 0.85 and 2 solar masses.

Very-Low-Mass Stars

Stars with masses between 0.08 and 0.85 solar masses, having lifespans longer than the age of the Universe.

Hydrostatic Equilibrium

Condition in which the outward pressure from nuclear fusion balances the inward pull of gravity.

Red Giant

A cooler star with a large radius that has evolved off the main sequence due to hydrogen fuel depletion.

Helium Flash

A rapid onset of helium fusion in the core, resulting from increased temperature and density.

Horizontal Branch

A stage of stellar evolution that follows the red giant phase where helium fusion occurs in the core.

Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) Star

A highly evolved low- to intermediate-mass star with increased luminosity and very large radii, but no fusion in the core.

Planetary Nebula

A cloud of glowing gas surrounding a dying low- or intermediate-mass star.

Chandrasekhar Limit

The maximum mass (1.4 solar masses) for a white dwarf, beyond which electron degeneracy pressure can no longer support it against gravity.

Electron Degeneracy Pressure

Pressure arising from quantum mechanical effects that prevents a star from collapsing under its own gravity.

Triple Alpha Process

The fusion process in which three helium nuclei combine to form one carbon-12 nucleus.

Stellar Winds

Outflow of a star's outer layers due to energy from fusion reactions, leading to mass loss.

White Dwarfs

Stellar remnants consisting of a carbon ash core and a very thin atmosphere, typically the size of Earth.