Question

star in a box
☆ launch “star in a box” and open the lid.
the starting parameters are for a star like the sun (mass = 1 x sun).
change the speed to “fast” on the bottom right - hand side.
a. the sun: click the play button below to show the suns evolution.
let the simulation play through, then click on “data table” (upper right) to see the values for each stage in the suns lifecycle.

1. what are the 3 stages of our suns lifetime?
2. which stage will the sun be at its brightest?
3. which stage will the sun be at its hottest?
4. in which stage of the suns life will it spend the longest time?
5. in which stage of the suns life will it spend the shortest time?

b. other stars: by adjusting the mass of the star in the in the bottom left - hand corner you can explore the evolution of different stars.

1. adjust the mass to 10x, click play, and open the data table.

what are the 3 stages in the life of a star 10x the mass of the sun?

1. adjust the mass to 40x, click play and open the data table.

what are the 4 stages in the life of a star 40x the mass of the sun?

1. list the three different final stages of a stars life.

Explanation:

1. The Sun's three - stage lifetime is Main - Sequence, Red Giant, White Dwarf.
2. The Red Giant stage is generally the brightest as the star expands and its surface area increases.
3. The Main - Sequence stage is the hottest as nuclear fusion in the core is most efficient here.
4. The Sun spends the longest time in the Main - Sequence stage where hydrogen - to - helium fusion occurs steadily.
5. The White Dwarf stage is relatively short in terms of active processes.
6. For a 10x solar mass star, the three stages can be Main - Sequence, Red Supergiant, Neutron Star or Black Hole.
7. For a 40x solar mass star, the four stages can be Main - Sequence, Blue Supergiant, Red Supergiant, Black Hole.
8. The three final stages of a star's life are White Dwarf, Neutron Star, Black Hole.

Answer:

1. Main - Sequence, Red Giant, White Dwarf
2. Red Giant
3. Main - Sequence
4. Main - Sequence
5. White Dwarf
6. Main - Sequence, Red Supergiant, Neutron Star or Black Hole
7. Main - Sequence, Blue Supergiant, Red Supergiant, Black Hole
8. White Dwarf, Neutron Star, Black Hole