Life Cycles
ASTR 1303 Northwest Vista College Name______________________________ Instructions: Please highlight your answer in a different color (blue or red) Lab– Stellar Evolution & Energy Production Introduction: In this lab, we will explore the stages of stellar evolution of both low mass stars (8 solar masses) . In addition, we will look more deeply at the energy production methods in stars. Study the diagram (below) and answer the questions related to it. The Life Cycle of Stars 1. Based on the diagram, how and where do all stars begin their lives? (10 points) 2. What are the main differences between the upper part of the diagram and the lower part of the diagram? Be specific. (10 points) 3. Look up the densities of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Sort them by increasing mass. (10 points) Low-Mass Star Energy Production The following equations show the first energy production process in low-mass stars like our Sun. The symbols are as follows: H = hydrogen, He = helium, e+ is a positron, v is a neutrino, and γ is a photon (gamma-ray). The numerical superscripts on the upper-left corner of the symbols represent the atomic mass (aka number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus). Study it and answer the questions that follow. 1H + 1H ⟶ 2H + e+ + v 2H + 1H ⟶ 3He + γ 3He + 3He ⟶ 4He + 1H + 1H 4. What fuel (input) appears on the left-hand side of the first equation? (5points) 5. What type of energy is released on the right-hand side of the second equation? (5 points) 6. What atom other than hydrogen is released on the right side of the third equation? (5points) High-Mass Star Energy Production The following diagram shows the first energy production method used in high-mass stars. Again, the number after the element represents the element’s approximate atomic mass. Study it and answer the questions that follow. 7. Using the key found in the diagram, what are the two red nucleons (the inputs fuel) at the very top of the diagram with arrows pointing downward? (10 points) 8. A lot of processes are happening here that we don’t have time to tackle. What are the two outputs (products) at the end of the chain? (10 points) 9. Is there a gamma-ray photon produced anywhere in this process? If so, where and how many are produced? (10 points) Helium Fusion to Carbon The following diagram shows the second energy production method used by stars. Study it and answer the questions that follow. 10. Using the key found in the diagram, what are the two input fuels in this process? (10 points) 11. What are the two outputs (products) at the end of the chain? (10 points) 12. Is there a gamma-ray photon produced anywhere in this process? If so, where and how many are produced? (5 points)
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
