Question

1. the stellar mass of a star will influence the life cycle of that star.

a. what happens during the life cycle of a star with one stellar mass? (4 points)
b. what is left behind after a star with four or more stellar masses has died? (2 points)

Explanation:

A. A star with one stellar mass (like our Sun) first fuses hydrogen into helium in its core during the main - sequence phase. As hydrogen runs out, it expands into a red giant, then the outer layers are shed to form a planetary nebula, and the core becomes a white dwarf.
B. A star with four or more stellar masses, after exhausting its fuel, undergoes a supernova explosion. What is left behind can be a neutron star or, if the mass is extremely large, a black hole.

Answer:

A. During the main - sequence, hydrogen fuses to helium. Then it becomes a red giant, sheds outer layers as a planetary nebula, and the core is a white dwarf.
B. A neutron star or a black hole.