Question

question 1 - 16
which of the following correctly describes the stages in the life cycle of a high mass star?
o nebula - protostar - supergiant - supernova - white dwarf
o nebula - giant - main sequence - white dwarf - black hole
o nebula - giant - planetary nebula - white dwarf
o nebula - main sequence - supergiant - supernova - neutron star or black hole

Explanation:

• A high - mass star begins its life as a nebula (a cloud of gas and dust).
• Then it becomes a main - sequence star (where nuclear fusion of hydrogen occurs in the core).
• After exhausting hydrogen in the core, it expands to become a supergiant.
• When the core can no longer support the star's mass, it undergoes a supernova explosion.
• Depending on its mass, the remnant can be a neutron star or a black hole.

• The first option is incorrect because a white dwarf is the end - stage of a low - mass star, not a high - mass star.
• The second option has the wrong order (main sequence should come before giant for high - mass stars in a sense, and white dwarf is wrong for high - mass).
• The third option is for low - mass stars (giant, planetary nebula, white dwarf).

Answer:

Nebula → Main Sequence → Supergiant → Supernova → Neutron Star or Black Hole