Author Question: What element is the fuel for main-sequence stars? What will be an ideal ... (Read 110 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?

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer often complain of a lack of mental focus; memory loss; and a general diminution in abilities such as multitasking, attention span, and general mental agility.

Did you know?

Illness; diuretics; laxative abuse; hot weather; exercise; sweating; caffeine; alcoholic beverages; starvation diets; inadequate carbohydrate consumption; and diets high in protein, salt, or fiber can cause people to become dehydrated.

Did you know?

Signs and symptoms of a drug overdose include losing consciousness, fever or sweating, breathing problems, abnormal pulse, and changes in skin color.

Did you know?

Bisphosphonates were first developed in the nineteenth century. They were first investigated for use in disorders of bone metabolism in the 1960s. They are now used clinically for the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease, bone metastasis, multiple myeloma, and other conditions that feature bone fragility.

Did you know?

When intravenous medications are involved in adverse drug events, their harmful effects may occur more rapidly, and be more severe than errors with oral medications. This is due to the direct administration into the bloodstream.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library