What Is the Likely Final Fate of a Star That

question 66

Multiple Choice

What is the likely final fate of a star that has a mass of greater than 15 solar masses after completing its nuclear fusion-burning phases?

• A) It undergoes fission and immediately splits in two to become a binary star system.
• B) The degeneracy of the electrons within the star prevents collapse beyond the diameter of a white dwarf.
• C) It condenses to the point where it is composed completely of neutrons,the degeneracy of which prevents further shrinkage.
• D) It collapses and becomes a black hole.

---

Definitions:

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of a particular subject, group, or event to explore causation in order to find underlying principles.

Analogue Experiment

A research method in which the researcher attempts to replicate or simulate under controlled conditions aspects of a real-life situation.

Matched Design Study

A research design in which participants are paired or grouped based on certain shared characteristics to help ensure that the conditions being compared are as similar as possible.

Informed Consent

A process in which a patient voluntarily agrees to participate in a treatment, research study, or procedure after understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives.