Author Question: What element is the fuel for main-sequence stars? What will be an ideal ... (Read 104 times)

NClaborn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 560
What element is the fuel for main-sequence stars?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe how main-sequence stars become giants.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



owenfalvey

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 337
Answer to Question 1

Hydrogen.

Answer to Question 2

Once the usable hydrogen fuel is all burned up, there remains a helium-rich core. Once fusion is finished in the star's core, there is insufficient pressure to prevent collapse due to gravity, and the contraction generates a huge increase in internal temperature, triggering a higher level of hydrogen fusion in the star's shell. The outer shell expands from the heat of accelerated fusion, but this expansion simultaneously cools the star's surface, yielding a large, cool star.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Though methadone is often used to treat dependency on other opioids, the drug itself can be abused. Crushing or snorting methadone can achieve the opiate "rush" desired by addicts. Improper use such as these can lead to a dangerous dependency on methadone. This drug now accounts for nearly one-third of opioid-related deaths.

Did you know?

According to the FDA, adverse drug events harmed or killed approximately 1,200,000 people in the United States in the year 2015.

Did you know?

Tobacco depletes the body of vitamins A, C, and E, which can result in any of the following: dry hair, dry skin, dry eyes, poor growth, night blindness, abscesses, insomnia, fatigue, reproductive system problems, sinusitis, pneumonia, frequent respiratory problems, skin disorders, weight loss, rickets, osteomalacia, nervousness, muscle spasms, leg cramps, extremity numbness, bone malformations, decayed teeth, difficulty in walking, irritability, restlessness, profuse sweating, increased uric acid (gout), joint damage, damaged red blood cells, destruction of nerves, infertility, miscarriage, and many types of cancer.

Did you know?

As many as 20% of Americans have been infected by the fungus known as Histoplasmosis. While most people are asymptomatic or only have slight symptoms, infection can progress to a rapid and potentially fatal superinfection.

Did you know?

The strongest synthetic topical retinoid drug available, tazarotene, is used to treat sun-damaged skin, acne, and psoriasis.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library