Question

directions: circle the correct answer for each question. each question is worth 2 points.

1. what process does a star use to generate energy in its core?

a) nuclear fusion c) nuclear fission
b) radioactive decay d) gravitational collapse

1. what is a small, hot, dim star that is the leftover remnant of a star like our sun?

a) red giant c) neutron star
b) white dwarf d) supernova remnant

1. what is a constellation?

a) a cluster of galaxies c) a group of stars that form a pattern
b) a planets orbit path d) a type of nebula

1. what is a nebula?

a) a dark spot on the sun c) a collapsed star
b) a cloud of gas and dust where stars form d) a planets atmosphere

Explanation:

1. Stars generate energy through nuclear fusion in their cores. Nuclear fusion combines light nuclei (like hydrogen) to form heavier ones (like helium), releasing energy. Nuclear fission is splitting heavy nuclei (used in nuclear power plants on Earth, not in star cores). Radioactive decay is a process in some unstable atoms losing particles/energy over time. Gravitational collapse is related to star formation or end - stage (like black hole formation from massive stars), not energy generation in the core.
2. A white dwarf is the remnant of a low - to medium - mass star (like the Sun). A red giant is a late - stage of a star before it sheds its outer layers. A neutron star is formed from the collapse of a more massive star (after a supernova). A supernova remnant is the debris left after a supernova explosion.
3. A constellation is a group of stars that form a pattern. A cluster of galaxies is a different astronomical structure. A planet’s orbit path is its trajectory around a star. A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust (not a constellation).
4. A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust where stars form. A dark spot on the Sun is a sunspot. A collapsed star can be a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole. A planet’s atmosphere is part of the planet, not a nebula.

Answer:

1. A. Nuclear fusion
2. B. White dwarf
3. C. A group of stars that form a pattern
4. B. A cloud of gas and dust where stars form