CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

1.Low-mass stars can undergo two evolutionary phases called red-giant phases. What is
the difference between them?
In the first, the primary production of energy is from hydrogen burning in the core.
In the second, the primary production of energy is from helium burning in the core.
In the first, the primary production of energy is from helium burning in the core. In
the second, the primary production of energy is from helium burning in a shell
around the core.
In the first, the star's track on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram lies along the redgiant branch. In the second, the track lies along the horizontal branch.
During the first red-giant phase, the star moves up and to the right along the redgiant branch. During the second red-giant phase the star's track is down and to the
left along the same red-giant branch.
Ans: B
Section: 12-9 and 13-1
2.What are the main products of helium nuclear fusion in red-giant stars?
Hydrogen nuclei by nuclear fission
Energy, from the complete transformation of the mass of helium to energy
Iron nuclei
Carbon and oxygen nuclei
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
3.Helium nuclear reactions (helium fusion) produce primarily
A) carbon and oxygen. B) carbon and silicon. C) iron. D) oxygen and neon.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1

A)
B)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)

4.Nuclear fusion reactions of helium produce primarily

nitrogen and neon nuclei.
C) beryllium and lithium nuclei.
iron nuclei.
D) carbon and oxygen nuclei.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
5.The nuclear process in which helium fusion occurs in the deep interiors of red giant stars
produces
iron nuclei.
carbon and oxygen nuclei.
hydrogen nuclei by the splitting of helium nuclei.
pure energy from the nuclear mass.
Ans: B
Section: 13-1
6.The structure of the deep interior of a low-mass star, near the end of its life, is
a carbon-oxygen core, a shell around it where helium nuclei are undergoing fusion,
and a surrounding shell of hydrogen.
an inactive hydrogen core and a helium shell undergoing nuclear fusion surrounded
by a carbon-oxygen shell.
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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

C)
D)

A)
B)

A)
B)

A)
B)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

a turbulent mixture of hydrogen, helium, carbon, and oxygen in which only helium
continues to undergo nuclear fusion.
a helium core surrounded by a thin hydrogen shell undergoing nuclear fusion with
very small concentrations of heavier nuclei.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1
7.During which phase of a low-mass star's life does helium shell fusion occur?
Main-sequence
C) First red-giant phase
Asymptotic giant-branch
D) Horizontal-branch
Ans: B
Section: 13-1
8.Helium nuclear reactions take place in a shell around the core of a low-mass star during
its
horizontal-branch phase.
C) main-sequence phase.
first red-giant phase.
D) asymptotic giant-branch phase.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
9.A star on the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) is
a cool main-sequence star.
C)
a blue supergiant.
D)
Ans: D
Section: 13-1

a star in its first red-giant phase.

a red supergiant.

10.In a star's evolutionary life, the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) is the
helium core fusion phase.
premain-sequence core hydrogen fusion phase.
hydrogen shell fusion phase prior to helium ignition in the core.
helium shell fusion phase.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
11.A star ascending the red-giant branch for the second time, in the asymptotic giant-branch
phase, will have
no nuclear reactions in the core, but a helium-fusion shell outside the core, which
itself is surrounded by a shell of hydrogen.
no fusion reactions; the star has used up all of its nuclear fuel.
hydrogen-fusion reactions occurring in the core.
no nuclear reactions occurring in the core but hydrogen fusion in a shell outside the
core.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1
12.How much brighter than its main-sequence luminosity will a Sun-like star become at the

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

asymptotic giant-branch (AGB) phase of its life?

10 times brighter
C) Twice as bright
104 times brighter
D) 103 times brighter
Ans: B
Section: 13-1
13.The characteristics of red supergiant stars are
the brightness of 10,000 Suns and a diameter of about Mars's orbit.
the brightness of the Sun and a size of about Mercury's orbit.
the brightness of about 1 million Suns and a diameter of the whole solar system.
the brightness of about 10,000 Suns and a diameter of 1/10 that of the Sun.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1
14.In the process of helium shell fusion in low-mass stars near the end of their lives, the star
moves upward and to the right on the asymptotic giant branch of the Hertzsprung-Russell
diagram. In this process, the star is
contracting, cooling, and hence becoming less luminous.
expanding, heating up, and becoming more luminous.
contracting, becoming hotter, and becoming much less luminous.
expanding, cooling, and becoming more luminous.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
15.In the AGB phase of their lives, stars like the Sun lose mass to space through an
outflowing stellar wind. Over a period of 1000 years, how much mass would such a
star eject?
Almost 1/10 solar mass
About 105 solar mass
About 1/100 solar mass
Almost none since most of the mass flows back in at the star's poles
Ans: C
Section: 13-1
16.What will be the mass of the Sun at the end of its asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase,
due to mass loss to space by its stellar wind?
Still almost 1 solar mass since mass loss is negligible for a low-mass star like the
Sun
Between 0.1 and 0.2 solar masses
About 0.8 solar masses
About 0.5 solar masses
Ans: D
Section: 13-1

17.What is the last nuclear fusion stage in the life of a low-mass star like the Sun?
A)
Fusion of silicon nuclei to form iron

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

Fusion of oxygen nuclei to form sulfur

Fusion of helium nuclei to form carbon and oxygen
Fusion of hydrogen nuclei to form helium
Ans: C
Section: 13-1
18.What happens to the surface of a low-mass star after the helium core and shell fusion
stages are completed?
It stabilizes at the size of a red giant star, radiation pressure from below balancing
gravity from the core, and will slowly cool for the rest of its life.
It is spun off into space to make a spiral structure known as a spiral galaxy.
It is propelled slowly away from the core to form a planetary nebula.
It contracts back onto the core and becomes hot enough to undergo further
hydrogen fusion, leading to a very hot and active white dwarf star.
Ans: C
Section: 13-1

19.In astronomical terms, planetary nebulae are

very long-lived objects, having been in existence since just after the Big Bang at
the beginning of the universe.
B)
relatively short-lived existing around the central white dwarf star for millions of
years before slowly spreading into space.
C)
relatively long-lived since they form when the original stars form and remain as
slowly rotating shells for the whole of their lifetimes of several billion years.
D)
very short-lived with lifetimes of about 50,000 years.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
A)

A)
B)
C)
D)

20.Which of the following important components does a planetary nebula contribute to the
interstellar medium?
Molecules such as NH3 and CH4, which contribute to giant molecular clouds
UV light that photoionizes hydrogen. This hydrogen, upon recombination,
produces the red Balmer- light by which we see interstellar emission nebulae
Rotational motion from the original star, which serves to concentrate interstellar
matter into new stars and planetary systems
The nuclei of moderately heavy elements, major components of planets such as our
own
Ans: D
Section: 13-1

21.A planetary nebula is

a contracting spherical cloud of gas surrounding a newly formed star in which
planets are forming.
B)
an expanding gas shell surrounding a hot, burned-out stellar core.
C)
a disk-shaped nebula of dust and gas, photographed around a relatively young star,
from which planets will eventually form.
A)

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

the nebula caused by the supernova explosion of a massive star.

Ans: B
Section: 13-1
22.A planetary nebula is
a shell of ejected gases.
the formation stages of planets around stars.
a gas cloud surrounding a planet after its formation.
the spherical cloud of gas produced by a supernova explosion.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1

23.A planetary nebula is

a gas shell, the atmosphere of a red giant star, slowly expanding away from the core
of the star.
B)
a contracting spherical cloud of gas surrounding a newly formed star in which
planets are forming.
C)
the nebula caused by the supernova explosion of a massive star.
D)
a disk-shaped nebula of dust and gas rotating around a relatively young star within
which planets will eventually form.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1
A)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

24.A planetary nebula is

a cloud of gas surrounding a very young star in which planets are expected to form.
the spherical, rapidly expanding cloud of gas produced by a supernova explosion.
the gas cloud surrounding a planet after its formation.
a shell of gases ejected from the surface of a red giant star.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1
25.The event that follows the asymptotic giant-branch (AGB) phase in the life of a low-mass
star is
the ejection of a planetary nebula.
core collapse and a supernova explosion.
helium flash and the start of helium fusion in the core.
the onset of hydrogen fusion in the core.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1
26.A planetary nebula is created
over several hundred years, during mass transfer in a close binary star system.
over a few thousand years or more, in a slow expansion away from a low-mass star,
driven by a series of thermal pulses from helium fusion.
in hours or less, during the explosion of a massive star.
in seconds, during the helium flash in a low-mass star.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Ans: B
Section: 13-1
27.The light from the expanding shell of gas in a planetary nebula consists of
bright emission lines of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and other elements.
thermal (blackbody) radiation with peak emission in the infrared.
the light of the central white dwarf star reflected and scattered by dust and gas in
the shell.
D)
thermal (blackbody) radiation with peak emission in the ultraviolet.
Ans: A
Section: 13-1
A)
B)
C)

A)
B)
C)
D)

28.What physical process provides the energy for the ejection of a planetary nebula from a
low-mass star?
Transfer of hydrogen-rich material onto the surface of a white dwarf from its
companion in a binary star system
Helium shell flashes in the helium fusion shell
Core collapse and the ensuing shock wave
Collision with another star
Ans: B
Section: 13-1

29.The diameter of a typical planetary nebula, after 10,000 years of expansion, is

A)
about 1000 ly.
C) only about 3 to 5 stellar diameters.
B)
about 1 AU.
D) a few light years.
Ans: D
Section: 13-1

A)
B)
C)
D)

30.The fraction of the mass of a low-mass star that is ejected in its evolutionary phases, up to
and including the planetary nebula phase, is
almost the entire star, more than 95%.
significant, up to 80%.
extremely small, less than 1 part in 104, since it is only the star's atmosphere that
has been ejected.
very small, close to 10%.
Ans: B
Section: 13-1
31.The shell of a planetary nebula is measured by the Doppler shift of emission lines to be
expanding outward at a speed of 104 m/s, while its radius is measured to be 1 ly, or about
1016 m. Roughly how long has the shell been expanding? (Hint: 1 year = 3.15 107 sec.)
A) 30 years B) 30,000 years C) 30 million years D) 1012 years
Ans: B
Section: 13-1
32.How much mass are planetary nebulae estimated to return to the interstellar medium each

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)

year over the Galaxy as a whole?

Aabout 50,000 M.
About 5 108 M.
Ans: C
Section: 13-1

C)
D)

About 5 M.
About 500 M.

33.What percentage of all matter ejected into the interstellar medium in our Galaxy each
year by stars is contributed by planetary nebulae?
A) Less than 1% B) About 50% C) Between 10 and 20% D) Almost 100%
Ans: C
Section: 13-1
34.The two longest stages in the lifetime of a solar mass star, each lasting billions of years,
are
A)
protostar and main-sequence
C) red-giant and white-dwarf
B)
main-sequence and red-giant
D) main-sequence and white-dwarf
Ans: D
Section: 13-2

A)
B)
C)
D)

35.Usually, ideal gases increase their pressure and volume when heated and decrease their
pressure and volume when cooled. Do these rules apply to stars?
No, stars never follow the rules for ideal gases, even approximately.
Yes, stars in all stages follow these rules quite closely.
No, protostars have cores of degenerate matter in which the pressure is independent
of the temperature.
No, white dwarfs are essentially degenerate matter in which the pressure is
independent of the temperature.
Ans: D
Section: 13-2
36.White dwarfs radiate most strongly in the ultraviolet, with a peak wavelength of perhaps
300 nm. What would be the surface temperature of such a star?
A) 12,600 K B) 9700 K C) 7800 K D) 3500 K
Ans: B
Section: 13-2 and Toolbox 4-1

A)
B)
C)
D)

37.In what manner does an isolated white dwarf generate energy?

Hydrogen fusion
Helium fusion
Gravitational contraction
An isolated white dwarf does not generate energy.
Ans: D
Section: 13-2
38.Stars that have ejected a planetary nebula go on to become
A) red giants. B) supernovae. C) protostars. D) white dwarfs.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Ans: D
Section: 13-2
39.The final remnant of the evolution of a red giant star that has ejected a planetary nebula is
A) a protostar. B) a blue supergiant. C) a white dwarf star. D) a supernova.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2
A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

40.The star that is seen at the center of a planetary nebula is

a small, hot, and very dense white dwarf star.
composed almost entirely of neutrons and spinning rapidly.
the accretion disk around a black hole.
a planet in the process of formation.
Ans: A
Section: 13-2
41.A white dwarf star, the surviving core of a low-mass star toward the end of its life, can be
found on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
at the upper left end of the main sequence since its surface temperature is extremely
high.
at the bottom end of the main sequence, along which it has evolved throughout its
life.
below and to the left of the main sequence.
above and to the right of the main sequence since it evolved there after its
hydrogen- fusion phase.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2

42.The characteristics of interiors of white dwarf stars are

mainly carbon and oxygen nuclei supported by electron degeneracy pressure in a
volume about the size of the Sun.
B)
mostly hydrogen nuclei supported by normal gas pressure due to the very high gas
temperature, in a volume about the size of the Earth.
C)
mainly carbon and oxygen nuclei supported by electron-degeneracy pressure in a
volume about the size of the Earth.
D)
mainly helium nuclei supported by electron-degeneracy pressure in a volume with
a radius about 11 times that of the Earth, about the volume of Jupiter.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2
A)

A)
B)
C)
D)

43.A white dwarf is

an object like Jupiter that was not quite massive enough to become a star.
a small, very hot, low-mass star.
a type of small protostar.
a hot, main-sequence star.
Ans: B

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Section: 13-2
A)
B)
C)
D)

44.At which phase of its evolutionary life is a white dwarf star?

Post-supernova phase, the central remnant of the explosion
Just at main sequence, or hydrogen-fusion phase
Very late for small-mass stars, in the dying phase
In its early phases, soon after formation
Ans: C
Section: 13-2

45.A white dwarf star is at what stage of its evolution?

Protostar phase, just after formation, beginning to generate energy by nuclear
fusion
B)
Main-sequence phase, middle-aged, generating energy by fusion of hydrogen to
helium
C)
Post-supernova stage, after the explosion of a star
D)
Very late phase of evolution, no longer generating energy
Ans: D
Section: 13-2
A)

46.Our Sun will end its life by becoming

A) a molecular cloud. B) a black hole.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2

C) a white dwarf.

47.A white dwarf star is about the same size as

A) the Sun. B) the Earth. C) the total solar system.
Ans: B
Section: 13-2
A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

D) a pulsar.

D) a major city.

48.The energy generation process inside a white dwarf star is

the combining of protons and electrons to form neutrons within its core.
hydrogen fusion.
nonexistenta white dwarf star is simply cooling by radiating its original heat.
the helium flashvery efficient and rapid helium fusion.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2
49.How does a white dwarf generate its energy?
It no longer generates energy but is slowly cooling as it radiates away its heat.
Nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium is producing energy within its core.
Nuclear fission of heavy elements in the central core is releasing energy.
Gravitational potential energy is released as the star slowly contracts.
Ans: A
Section: 13-2

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

50.The one characteristic shared by all solitary white dwarf stars is that
they have stopped generating thermonuclear energy but continue to shrink, thereby
releasing gravitational energy as heat.
they have never generated either thermonuclear or gravitational energy but are
slowly cooling after their production in a supernova explosion.
they are generating thermonuclear energy but are maintaining a constant radius and
hence are not releasing gravitational energy.
they have ceased to generate energy by thermonuclear processes or gravitational
contraction and are slowly cooling down.
Ans: D
Section: 13-2
51.What is it that keeps a white dwarf star from collapsing inward on itself?
Electron degeneracy, or quantum crowding
The physical size of the neutrons of which this star is composed
Convection currents or updrafts from the nuclear furnace
Normal gas pressure
Ans: A
Section: 13-2
52.White dwarf stars are supported from gravitational collapse by
centrifugal force due to rapid rotation.
degenerate-electron pressure.
nuclear fusion reactions in their cores.
nuclear fusion reactions in a shell around the core.
Ans: B
Section: 13-2
53.A white dwarf star is supported from collapse under gravity by
pressure of the gas heated by nuclear fusion reactions in its core.
centrifugal force due to rapid rotation.
degenerate-electron pressure in the compact interior.
pressure of the gas heated by nuclear fusion reactions in a shell around its core.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2

54.One distinctive physical characteristic of matter inside a white dwarf star is that it
is composed only of protons, with electrostatic repulsion preventing stellar
collapse.
B)
has extremely high density compared to ordinary stellar matter.
C)
is composed only of neutrons.
D)
is composed only of electrons in a degenerate state.
Ans: B
Section: 13-2
A)

55.The stars that eventually become white dwarfs are those that start life with masses less

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

than
A)
B)

25 solar masses.
8 solar masses.
Ans: B
Section: 13-2

C)
D)

1.4 solar masses.

3 solar masses.

56.One peculiar feature of the evolution of a white dwarf star of a particular mass is that
it spins as it shrinks until it is rotationally flattened into a disk.
it heats up as it shrinks because of the release of gravitational energy, ending up as
a very hot but very small star.
C)
it slowly shrinks and cools to a critical radius, then collapses to become a black
hole.
D)
its size or radius remains constant as it cools and dies.
Ans: D
Section: 13-2
A)
B)

A)
B)
C)
D)

57.As a white dwarf evolves, the direction of its motion on the Herzsprung-Russell diagram
is from upper left to lower right, which means that
its size or radius slowly increases as it cools until it ends up as a red giant star.
its size or radius remains constant as it cools and becomes less luminous.
it heats up as it shrinks because of the release of gravitational energy, ending up as
a very hot but very small star.
it shrinks as it cools, eventually becoming a cold, black hole in space.
Ans: B
Section: 13-2

58.A white dwarf star, as it evolves, undergoes which of the following changes?
Its temperature remains constant, but its radius and therefore its luminosity
decrease.
B)
Luminosity and size decrease while its temperature remains constant.
C)
It shrinks in size, the resulting release of gravitational energy keeping both
luminosity and temperature constant.
D)
Luminosity and temperature decrease while its size remains constant.
Ans: D
Section: 13-2
A)

59.There is a mass limit for a star in the white-dwarf phase, the Chandrasakhar limit, beyond
which the electron-degeneracy pressure can no longer support the star against its own
gravity. This mass limit is
A)
0.2 solar mass.
C) 1.4 solar masses.
B)
30 solar masses.
D) 14 solar masses.
Ans: C
Section: 13-2
60.Which of the following types of stars or stellar remnants can have a mass NO larger than
about 1.4 times the mass of the Sun, otherwise they will collapse under their own

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

gravity?
A) Red giants
Ans: D
Section: 13-2

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

B) Black holes

C) Neutron stars

D) White dwarfs

61.The star Sirius ( Canis Majoris) is actually a binary star in which the brighter, more
massive star (Sirius A) is an A-type main-sequence star and the fainter, less-massive star
(Sirius B) is a white dwarf. How is this system most likely to have formed?
Sirius A formed as a single star and later captured a passing white dwarf.
Sirius B formed first and evolved to become a white dwarf; capture of gas and dust
from interstellar clouds then resulted in the formation of Sirius A.
Sirius B was initially more massive than Sirius A and evolved faster; it then became
less massive due to mass loss to space and mass transfer to Sirius A.
Sirius A was always the more massive of the two and became a red giant; then mass
transfer to Sirius B accelerated the evolution of Sirius B and caused it to become a
white dwarf.
Ans: C
Section: 12-14 and 13-2
62.Are crystalline stars or crystalline remnants of stars possible; why or why not?
No, stars and stellar remnants are too hot to crystallize.
Yes, they are the likely outcome of the cooling of a white dwarf.
No, the forces needed to crystallize a star would actually cause the star to collapse
gravitationally into a black hole.
Yes, they are the likely outcome of the creation of iron in the core of a massive star.
Ans: B
Section: 13-2
63.The nova phenomenon, an occasional and sometimes repeated intense brightening of a
star by a factor of about 106, is caused by
a beam of radiation from a nearby pulsar illuminating the surface of a red giant star
and inducing rapid and intense heating.
the capture and rapid compression of matter by a black hole.
the explosion of a single massive star at the end of its thermonuclear fusion phases.
explosive hydrogen fusion on the surface of a white dwarf star after mass transfer
from a companion star in a binary system.
Ans: D
Section: 13-3
64.When a typical nova explodes, it brightens in a few hours by a factor of
A) 108 to 1010. B) 2 to 5. C) 104 to 106. D) 10 to 100.
Ans: C
Section: 13-3

A)

65.The mechanism that gives rise to the phenomenon of the nova is

the impact and subsequent explosion of a large comet nucleus on a star's surface.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

material falling into a black hole and being condensed to the point where a
thermonuclear explosion is produced.
the complete disintegration of a massive star due to a runaway thermonuclear
explosion in the star's interior.
matter from a companion star falling onto a white dwarf in a close binary system,
eventually causing a nuclear explosion on the dwarf's surface.
Ans: D
Section: 13-3
66.A nova is a sudden brightening of a star that occurs when
material is transferred onto the surface of a white dwarf from a companion star in a
binary system, then subsequently blasted into space by a runaway thermonuclear
explosion (leaving the white dwarf intact to repeat the process).
material from a companion star is transferred onto the surface of a white dwarf star
in a binary system, after which runaway carbon-fusion reactions cause the entire
white dwarf to be destroyed in an explosion.
the electron-degenerate iron core of a massive star collapses after its mass becomes
greater than the Chandrasekhar mass limit.
material is transferred onto a neutron star from a companion star in a binary
system, causing the neutron star to collapse into a black hole.
Ans: A
Section: 13-3
67.A nova is an explosion involving a white dwarf. Can a white dwarf become a nova more
than once; why or why not?
No, because the white dwarf's magnetic field is eliminated in the explosion
Yes, if the temperature is high enough for recurrent helium flashes in the white
dwarf's core
Yes, if it continues to receive matter from a companion star
No, because the white dwarf is destroyed in the explosion
Ans: C
Section: 13-3
68.Suppose you see a news announcement that astronomers have discovered a nova in a
distant galaxy. What do you immediately know about the star that gave rise to this nova?
It is a white dwarf in a binary system in which the other star fills its Roche lobe.
It is a neutron star in a binary system in which the other is star a white dwarf.
It is a neutron star in a binary system in which the other star fills its Roche lobe.
It is a black hole in a binary system in which the other star fills its Roche lobe.
Ans: A
Section: 13-3

69.Carbon fusion in massive stars combines helium and carbon to produce oxygen. This is
followed by oxygen fusion in which oxygen is burned to produce sulfur. Why is a higher
temperature required for oxygen fusion than for carbon fusion?
A)
Because of extensive mass loss between the carbon-fusion and oxygen-fusion

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

stages, higher temperatures are required for nuclear reactions in the relatively
rarified stars in which oxygen fusion takes place.
Larger nuclei, like oxygen, have more protons and are therefore repelled more
strongly from other nuclei. Thus, faster speeds (at higher temperatures) are
required to bring these nuclei together than are required for smaller nuclei.
Free neutrons are required in greater numbers to enable the oxygen reaction, and
this requires higher temperatures to produce them.
The enormous neutrino flux in the core of a massive star inhibits nuclear reactions.
High temperatures are necessary to force these neutrinos out of the star so nuclear
reactions can proceed.
Ans: B
Section: 13-4
70.Which force induces the core to contract inward and get hotter in massive stars at the
conclusion of each episode of nuclear fusion, such as the carbon-, oxygen-, and siliconfusion cycles?
Gravity
Gas pressure produced by the very high gas temperatures
Electron-degeneracy pressure
The nuclear attractive force between nuclei and between neutrons and protons
Ans: A
Section: 13-4
71.Which nuclear fusion cycle is the next one to begin after helium fusion ends in a massive
star?
A) Carbon fusion B) Iron fusion C) Silicon fusion D) Oxygen fusion
Ans: A
Section: 13-4 and Table 13-1

72.In which order do the stages of core nuclear fusion occur in the evolution of a massive
star?
A)
Carbon, helium, oxygen, neon
C) Helium, oxygen, carbon, neon
B)
Helium, carbon, neon, oxygen
D) Helium, carbon, oxygen, neon
Ans: B
Section: 13-4 and Table 13-1
73.A star of 25 solar masses spends roughly what percentage of its life as a main-sequence
star? (See Table 13-1, Comins and Kaufmann, Discovering the Universe, 7th Ed.)
A) About 7% B) Very little, less than 1% C) 93% D) 58%
Ans: C
Section: 13-4 and Table 13-1
74.For a massive star (e.g., 25 solar masses), core hydrogen fusion lasts for several million
years. In contrast, core silicon fusion lasts for only about
A) 1 minute. B) several thousand years. C) 1 day. D) 1 year.
Ans: C

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Section: 13-4 and Table 13-1

A)
B)
C)
D)

75.Each successive stage of core nuclear reactions in a massive star lasts for considerably
less time than the previous stage (e.g., for a 25-solar-mass star, carbon fusion lasts for
600 years, while neon fusion lasts for only 1 year). One reason for this is that
the later the stage of fusion, the less massive the star.
the later the stage of fusion, the more massive the star.
the more massive the nuclei, the fewer there are of them to react together.
the more massive the nuclei, the less energy is released by fusing them together.
Ans: C
Section: 13-4
76.The main product of silicon fusion reactions in the core of a massive star is
A) iron. B) magnesium. C) carbon. D) helium.
Ans: A
Section: 13-4

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

77.The duration of the oxygen-fusing stage in the core of a massive star is considerably
shorter than the duration of the carbon-fusing stage. One main reason for this is that
carbon is a solid, while oxygen is a gas.
oxygen-fusion does not begin until the contracting core has reached a higher
temperatute than the temperature at which carbon fusion is possible.
the electron degeneracy inhibits the carbon reaction, but it has been removed by the
time oxygen fusion begins.
there are more fusion shells surrounding the oxygen-fusion core than there are
around the carbon-fusion core. These prevent the escape of oxygen before it can
fuse.
Ans: B
Section: 13-4
78.A high-mass star near the end of its life undergoes successive cycles of energy generation
within its core in which gravitational collapse increases the temperature to the point
where a new nuclear fusion cycle generates sufficient energy to stop the collapse. This
process does not work beyond the silicon-fusion cycle that produces iron. Why is this?
The pressure from high-energy photons and neutrinos at the very high core
temperatures reached at this stage of development is finally sufficient to halt the
collapse.
Electrostatic forces between the highly charged iron nuclei are sufficient to
overcome the collapse and stabilize the stellar core.
Fusion of iron nuclei into heavier nuclei requires energy rather than producing
excess energy and therefore will not produce the additional gas pressure to halt the
collapse.
Iron nuclei are so large that they occupy all remaining space and so the collapse
cannot continue.
Ans: C
Section: 13-5

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

79.Thermonuclear reactions release energy because

the product (ash) nucleus contains fewer protons than the original (fuel) nucleus
since these protons have been converted into energy.
B)
the product (ash) nucleus is more tightly bound than the original (fuel) nucleus.
C)
the product (ash) nucleus is less tightly bound than the original (fuel) nucleus.
D)
the product (ash) nucleus is moving faster than the original (fuel) nucleus, and this
excess kinetic energy shows up as heat.
Ans: B
Section: 13-5
A)

A)
B)
C)
D)

80.The sequence of thermonuclear fusion processes inside massive stars can transform
elements such as carbon, oxygen, etc., into heavier elements AND generate excess energy
until iron has been produced. Why is it not possible for fusion reactions to release energy
from iron nuclei?
The electrostatic charge of iron nuclei is so great that other nuclei cannot approach
closely enough to react with them.
Iron has the largest nucleus of all elements, and fusing other nuclei with iron
actually reduces the size of the nucleus.
Iron is the heaviest naturally occurring element.
The protons and neutrons in an iron nucleus are so tightly bound together that
fusing other nuclei with iron absorbs energy rather than releasing it.
Ans: D
Section: 13-5
81.A sequence of thermonuclear fusion processes inside massive stars can continue to
transform the nuclei of elements such as carbon, oxygen, etc., into heavier nuclei AND
also generate excess energy up to a limit beyond which no further energy-producing
reactions can occur. The element that is produced when this limit is reached is
A) oxygen. B) iron. C) silicon. D) uranium.
Ans: B
Section: 13-5

A)
B)
C)
D)

82.In the collapsing core of a high-mass star just before a supernova explosion occurs, the
density is about that
of degenerate gases in white dwarf stars, about 109 kg/m3.
of nuclear matter in a normal nucleus, about 4 1017 kg/m3.
at the center of the Sun, about 1.5 105 kg/m3.
of iron, 7.5 103 kg/m3.
Ans: B
Section: 13-5

83.Which of the following will a high-mass star (say, 25 times the mass of the Sun) NOT do
at or near the end of its life?
A)
Eject its outer layers and become a neutron star
B)
Convert silicon into iron in its core

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

Emit copious amounts of neutrinos

Eject its outer layers and become a white dwarf
Ans: D
Section: 13-5
84.After the material in the core of a massive star has been converted to iron by
thermonuclear reactions, further energy can be released to heat the core ONLY by
gravitational contraction.
nuclear fission or splitting of nuclei.
the absorption of neutrinos.
thermonuclear fusion of iron into heavier elements.
Ans: A
Section: 13-5
85.From the start of collapse to the attainment of nuclear density, the process of core
collapse at the end of the life of a massive star takes a time of about
A) 1/2000 second. B) 8 minutes. C) a few hours. D) 1/4 second.
Ans: D
Section: 13-5

A)
B)
C)
D)

86.Which of the following is NOT a consequence of core collapse at the end of the life of a
massive star?
The silicon core is converted to iron by fusion reactions.
Electrons combine with protons to form neutrons.
Great numbers of neutrinos are produced.
The core density approaches the density of an atomic nucleus.
Ans: A
Section: 13-5

A)
B)
C)
D)

87.The very last nuclear process to occur at the center of a massive star (at the end of its life)
is
the helium flash.
silicon fusion, resulting in the production of iron.
the photodisintegration of nuclei by gamma rays.
the capture of electrons by protons to produce neutrons.
Ans: D
Section: 13-5

A)
B)
C)
D)

88.What is photodisintegration?
The heating and ejection of mass from the surface of a normal star by the radiation
from an orbiting neutron star
The destruction of a star by the pressure of the radiation inside it
The splitting apart of atomic nuclei by gamma rays
The ejection of a neutron or proton from an atomic nucleus, accompanied by the
emission of a gamma ray
Ans: C

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Section: 13-5

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

89.During its life, a massive star creates heavier and heavier elements in its core through
thermonuclear fusion, leading up to silicon and iron. What is the fate of the iron that is
created?
The nuclei are split apart by neutron bombardment, creating lighter elements such
as carbon, oxygen, and neon.
It is locked up inside the star forever.
It is destroyed by later thermonuclear fusion reactions in the core that create even
heavier elements such as lead, gold, and uranium.
It is torn apart by high-energy photons at the end of the star's life.
Ans: D
Section: 13-5
90.Which of the following processes is NOT involved in the supernova explosion of a
massive star?
Photodisintegration of nuclei by gamma rays
Helium flash in the star's core
Collapse of the star's core
Passage of a shock wave through the star's envelope
Ans: B
Section: 13-5
91.Which of the following is NEVER a consequence of a supernova explosion?
The triggering of star formation by shock waves moving through interstellar space
The formation of a planetary nebula
The condensation of matter into a solid nuclear star composed entirely of neutrons
The generation of a pulse of neutrino emission
Ans: B
Section: 13-5
92.What fraction of its mass does a 25 M. main-sequence star eject into space during its
lifetime?
Almost all of it, greater than 80%
Only a small fraction, about 1/100
Between 1/4 and 1/2
Only its outer atmosphere, less than 1 part in 104
Ans: A
Section: 13-5
93.The luminosity of a typical supernova star during the initial phases of the explosion
increases by a factor of
A) 108. B) 106. C) 23, since the star is already very bright. D) 103.
Ans: A
Section: 13-5

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

94.What is the source of most of the heavy elements on the Earth and in our own bodies?
Thermonuclear fusion reactions in the cores of massive stars before the supernova
phase
Explosive nucleosynthesis during supernova explosions of massive stars
Cosmic ray interactions with hydrogen and helium nuclei in interstellar clouds
Nuclear reactions during the formation of the universe (the Big Bang)
Ans: B
Section: 13-5
95.The core-collapse phase at the end of the life of a massive star is triggered when
the helium flash and thermal pulses have expelled the star's envelope.
the density reaches the threshold for electron degeneracy pressure to become
important.
nuclear fusion has produced a significant amount of iron in its core.
the core becomes as dense as an atomic nucleus.
Ans: C
Section: 13-5
96.Photodisintegration, the fissioning of iron nuclei into helium nuclei due to high energy
gamma radiation, occurs only at the very end of the life of a massive star. Why can this
not occur earlier? Each of the following answers is correct except one. Which answer is
incorrect?
Iron nuclei do not exist in anything but trace amounts before this stage.
Gamma radiation of sufficient energy is not produced before this stage.
The fissioning of an iron nucleus requires energy, and the energy-rich environment
that allows this to happen does not exist before this stage.
Under the conditions of the previous stages of evolution, iron (26Fe) disappears as
quickly as it is formed by combining with helium (4He) to produce zinc (30Zn).
Ans: D
Section: 13-5
97.What is remarkable about the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A?
It contains a binary neutron star system in which one neutron star is significantly
more massive than the other.
It is bright at all wavelengths from radio through visible light to X rays.
It is the nearest supernova remnant, located only about 300 ly from the Earth.
It shows that a supernova occurred in our Galaxy about 300 years ago, but there is
no record of any supernova having been seen at that time.
Ans: D
Section: 13-6

98.Measurements suggest that light first arrived at the Earth from the Cassiopeia A
supernova about 300 years ago and that this supernova is about 10,000 ly away from the
Earth. When did the explosion actually occur?
A)
It is not possible to say when it occurred from the information given.
B)
9700 years ago, or about 7700 B.C.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

C)
D)

10,300 years ago, or about 8300 B.C.

300 years ago, or about 1700 A.D.
Ans: C
Section: 13-6

99.Most supernova remnants can be observed only at non-visible wavelengths. Why is this?
Supernova remnants are too cool to produce radiation at visible wavelengths.
Supernova remnants are too hot to produce radiation at visible wavelengths.
Visible wavelengths are produced by supernova remnants but they are blocked by
the interstellar medium.
D)
All of the visible wavelengths are Doppler shifted to infrared because all of the
supernova remnants are moving away from us at high speeds.
Ans: C
Section: 13-6
A)
B)
C)

100.Around 2 million years ago, astronomers believe, our ozone layer may have been
significantly damaged, leading to radiation damage to life on the Earth. What is believed
to be the cause of this damage?
A)
An OB association may have been close enough that a supernova flooded the Earth
with intense radiation.
B)
The Sun went through its T-Tauri expansion.
C)
The Sun sent out a ring of material as it formed a planetary nebula.
D)
The Gum Supernova erupted.
Ans: A
Section: 13-6
101.The Scorpius-Centaurus OB association is predicted to have produced a supernova about
2 million years ago. Why do we make this prediction?
A)
A supernova remnant has been found with the appropriate location and age.
B)
O and B stars are massive stars, many of them over 25 solar masses, and these
would supernova.
C)
in a close association, collisions between stars are expected, and these collisions
would raise the mass to the supernova range.
D)
Shock waves from the direction of Scorpius-Centaurus still pass by the Earth at
frequent intervals.
Ans: B
Section: 13-6
102.What are cosmic rays?
A)
The steady, low-energy flux of neutral atoms into the solar system due to the
passage of the Sun through the interstellar medium
B)
Neutron beams emitted along the rotational axes of accretion disks around neutron
stars
C)
Beams of photons produced by rotating, magnetic neutron stars
D)
Atomic nuclei and other subatomic particles traveling through space at more than
90% of the speed of light

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Ans: D
Section: 13-7
A)
B)
C)
D)

103.The main component of cosmic rays is

protons.
gamma rays.
electrons.
nuclei of heavy elements such as carbon and iron.
Ans: A
Section: 13-7

104.The main source of cosmic rays, the high-energy atomic nuclei that strike the Earth's
atmosphere from interstellar space, is believed to be
A)
rotating, magnetized neutron stars.
B)
matter from accretion disks surrounding neutron stars and black holes.
C)
acceleration of nuclei by neutrinos during supernova explosions.
D)
supernova debris colliding with interstellar material.
Ans: D
Section: 13-7
105.What is a cosmic ray shower?
A)
A shower of particles produced when a cosmic ray strikes atoms in the Earth's
atmosphere
B)
A burst of high-energy atomic nuclei arriving at the Earth from interstellar space
C)
Another name for a meteor shower
D)
A pulse of gamma rays arriving at the Earth from a rotating, magnetized neutron
star
Ans: A
Section: 13-7
A)
B)
C)
D)

106.The most recent supernova explosion known to have occurred in our own Galaxy
was seen in 1987 (supernova 1987A).
created the Gum Nebula.
gave rise to the Crab Nebula.
created the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A.
Ans: D
Section: 13-8

107.Supernovae are detected

A)
in both our Galaxy and others.
B)
only at X-ray wavelengths.
C)
only in elliptical galaxies, never in spirals.
D)
only in our Galaxy.
Ans: A
Section: 13-8

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

108.The light from the most recent supernova that was visible to the unaided eye arrived at
Earth in
A) 1604 A.D. B) 1054 A.D. C) 1987 A.D. D) 1572 A.D.
Ans: C
Section: 13-8
109.Just before it exploded, the star that became supernova SN 1987A was
A) a pulsar. B) a white dwarf. C) an M2 I supergiant. D) a B3 I supergiant.
Ans: D
Section: 13-8
110.The star that exploded to form supernova SN 1987A probably had a pre-explosion mass
of about
A)
1.4 solar masses.
C) less than 1 solar mass.
B)
40 to 50 solar masses.
D) 20 solar masses.
Ans: D
Section: 13-8
111.Which of the following is NOT true for supernova SN 1987A?
A)
Bursts of neutrinos were detected at several sites from the supernova.
B)
It did not become as intrinsically bright as originally expected.
C)
It was a white dwarf exploding after mass transfer from a companion star in a
binary star system.
D)
Observations of the star had been made before it blew up.
Ans: C
Section: 13-8
112.How did supernova SN 1987A differ from most other observed supernovae?
A)
It occurred in an external galaxy, not our Milky Way Galaxy.
B)
It reached a maximum luminosity ten times that of a normal supernova.
C)
It declined in brightness much faster than most supernovae.
D)
The star was a blue supergiant when it blew up rather than the usual red supergiant.
Ans: D
Section: 13-8
113.Supernova SN 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud differed from most other Type II
supernovae in being considerably fainter. Why?
A)
The star that exploded was much smaller than normal for a Type II supernova.
B)
It was surrounded by interstellar gas and dust that partially hid it from view from
the Earth.
C)
It contained considerably more heavy elements than most Type II supernovae, and
these elements are believed to have absorbed many of the neutrinos produced in the
core collapse.
D)
The star that exploded was considerably cooler than normal for a Type II
supernova.
Ans: A

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Section: 13-8
114.The detection of neutrinos from supernova SN 1987A occurred three hours before the
detection of the burst of visible light. What caused this time lag?
A)
The result proved that neutrinos travel faster in vacuum than light does.
B)
The space between the supernova and the Earth is not a perfect vacuum but is filled
with very rarified gas and dust. This impedes the passage of light (very slightly)
but not of neutrinos.
C)
The neutrinos and the light were produced at the same time, but the light bounced
back and forth between the core and the outer layers several times before these
layers expanded to the point that they became transparent.
D)
The neutrinos were produced earlier (when the core collapsed) and the light was
produced 3 hours later (when the shock wave reached the outer layers).
Ans: D
Section: 13-8
115.Cerenkov radiation that was used to detect neutrinos from supernova SN 1987A was
produced by
A)
neutrons ejected from nuclei by the neutrinos.
B)
positive electrons (positrons) traveling faster than the speed of light in water.
C)
nuclear fusion produced in the detector by neutrinos.
D)
electrons and antielectrons (positrons) colliding and annihilating.
Ans: B
Section: 10-9 and 13-8
116.What new method has recently provided astronomers with new information about the
interiors of stars, for example, the collapse of the inner core of a star undergoing
supernova explosion or the interior of the Sun?
A)
X-ray astronomy and photography
C) Visible light spectroscopy
B)
Radio astronomy
D) Neutrino astronomy
Ans: D
Section: 13-8
117.How many neutrinos from supernova SN 1987A were detected on the Earth?
A) None B) About 400,000 C) 8 1017 D) 20
Ans: D
Section: 13-8
118.What observation has provided the most direct evidence that Type II supernovae are
caused by the collapse of the core of a massive star?
A)
The detection of high-energy X rays from the Crab supernova remnant
B)
The detection of iron in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant
C)
The detection of neutrinos from supernova SN 1987A
D)
The discovery of cosmic rays
Ans: C
Section: 13-9

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

119.A Type II supernova is

the collapse of a blue supergiant star to form a black hole.
the explosion of a white dwarf in a binary star system after mass has been
transferred onto it from its companion.
C)
the explosion of a red giant star as a result of a helium flash in the core.
D)
the explosion of a massive star after silicon fusion has produced a core of iron
nuclei.
Ans: D
Section: 13-9
A)
B)

120.A Type Ia supernova is

A)
the collapse of a blue supergiant star to form a black hole.
B)
the explosion of a red giant star as a result of a helium flash in its core.
C)
the explosion of a white dwarf in a binary star system after mass has been
transferred onto it from its companion.
D)
the explosion of a massive star after silicon fusion has produced a core of iron
nuclei.
Ans: C
Section: 13-9
121.What is the main observational difference between a Type Ia and a Type II supernova?
Hydrogen lines are prominent in the spectrum of a Type Ia supernova but absent in
that of a Type II.
B)
The spectrum of a Type II supernova shows strong lines of both hydrogen and
helium, whereas that of a Type Ia shows only hydrogen.
C)
The spectrum of a Type Ia supernova shows strong lines of both hydrogen and
helium, whereas that of a Type II shows only hydrogen.
D)
Hydrogen lines are prominent in the spectrum of a Type II supernova but absent in
that of a Type Ia.
Ans: D
Section: 13-9
A)

122.Type II supernovae show prominent lines of hydrogen in their spectra, whereas hydrogen
lines are absent in spectra of Type Ia supernovae. Why is this? (Hint: Think about the
type of star that gives rise to each of the two types of supernova.)
A)
Massive stars contain large amounts of hydrogen, whereas white dwarfs are mostly
carbon and oxygen.
B)
White dwarfs have a thick surface layer of hydrogen, whereas neutron stars contain
no hydrogen at all.
C)
Massive stars have fused all of their hydrogen into heavier elements, whereas lowmass stars still have large hydrogen-rich envelopes.
D)
Massive stars contain large amounts of hydrogen, whereas neutron stars contain no
hydrogen at all.
Ans: A
Section: 13-9

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

123.Can a white dwarf explode?

Yes, but only if another star collides with it; stars are so far apart in space that this
is unlikely ever to have happened in our Galaxy.
B)
Yes, but only if it is in a binary star system.
C)
Yes, but only if nuclear reactions in the white dwarf core reach the stage of silicon
fusion, producing iron.
D)
No; white dwarfs are held up by electron-degeneracy pressure, and this
configuration is stable against collapse or explosion.
Ans: B
Section: 13-9
A)

124.The estimated rate at which supernova explosions occur in a spiral galaxy such as our
own is
A)
about once every 5 years.
C) about once every 3000 years.
B)
about once every 300 years.
D) about once every 20 years.
Ans: D
Section: 13-9
125.From observations of supernova explosions in distant galaxies, it is predicted that there
should be about five supernovae per century in our Galaxy, whereas we have seen only
about one every 300 years from the Earth. Why is this?
A)
The majority of supernovae produce no visible light, only radio and X-ray
radiation, which we have only been able to observe for the past three decades.
B)
Most supernovae occur in the galactic plane, where interstellar dust will have
hidden them from our view from the Earth.
C)
Most supernovae occur within the Milky Way, which can be seen only from the
southern hemisphere, where there have been very few observers until recently.
D)
The majority of stars in our Galaxy are old, well beyond the supernova stages of
evolution.
Ans: B
Section: 13-9
126.Measurements from distant galaxies indicate that supernovae should occur at a rate of
five per century in a spiral galaxy such as the Milky Way, but only three have been
recorded in this Galaxy in the past 1000 years. Why is this?
A)
Most supernovae produce X rays and radio waves, not visible light, and were hence
invisible to earlier observers.
B)
The majority of supernovae must have occurred in the plane of the Milky Way and
hence were hidden from the Earth by the dense gas and dust in the Milky Way
plane.
C)
The Milky Way Galaxy is somehow different, with much lower numbers of very
massive stars in general, so many fewer stars have undergone supernova
explosions.
D)
Observers were not watching the sky carefully enough, particularly through the
Dark Ages and over the past few centuries.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Ans: B
Section: 13-9
A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

127.The explosion of a supernova appears to leave behind

a rapidly expanding shell of gas and a central neutron star.
a rapidly rotating shell of gas, dust, and radiation, but no central object.
a rapidly expanding shell of gas and a compact white dwarf star at its center.
nothing; the explosion changes all the matter completely into energy, which then
radiates into space at the speed of light.
Ans: A
Section: 13-5 and 13-9
128.What important event was recorded by ancient Chinese astronomers in 1054 A.D.?
A brilliant worldwide auroral display
The appearance of a nearby nova explosion in our Galaxy.
A bright binary star undergoing eclipse
The appearance of a supernova, visible in daylight
Ans: D
Section: 13-10

129.Which major astronomical event was apparently recorded faithfully by Chinese

astronomers in the Sung Dynasty in 1054 A.D.?
A)
A supernova explosion in our Galaxy, visible even in daylight
B)
The total eclipse of the Sun over China in that year
C)
The rare passage of the planet Venus across the face of the Sun, a solar transit
D)
The discovery of the planet Mercury
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
130.The Crab Nebula is
A)
a supernova remnant.
B)
a planetary nebula surrounding a hot star.
C)
a cool, gaseous nebula in which stars are forming.
D)
the active nucleus of a nearby spiral galaxy.
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
A)
B)
C)
D)

131.In terms of the evolutionary life of a star, at what stage is the Crab Nebula?
Middle-aged, main-sequence star, relatively near to the Sun
A black hole, very late stage of evolution
The beginning, a nebula in which stars are forming
Late, since it is the remnant of a star explosion or supernova
Ans: D
Section: 13-10
132.The Crab Nebula is a nearby example of what type of physical phenomenon?

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)
C)
D)

A planetary nebula, a shell of gas leaving an old star

The remnant of a supernova explosion
A spiral galaxy, a collection of 100 billion stars
A gas and dust cloud, the formation region for new stars
Ans: B
Section: 13-10

133.Where would you look for a pulsar, among the following locations in the universe?
A)
At the center of our Galaxy
C) In the Orion Nebula
B)
In the Crab Nebula
D) In the middle of the Sun
Ans: B
Section: 13-10
134.The first pulsar was detected with
A)
Galileo's telescope.
B)
the infrared satellite IRAS.
C)
a radio telescope being used by Cambridge University.
D)
the 200-inch telescope at Mount Palomar.
Ans: C
Section: 13-10
A)
B)
C)
D)

135.The first pulsar was discovered by

Albert Einstein in 1905.
Galileo Galilei in 1610.
the Astronomer Royal in Newton's time, Sir Edmund Halley, in 1606.
an English graduate student, Jocelyn Bell, in 1967.
Ans: D
Section: 13-10
136.The first pulsar was discovered in which year?
A) 1967 B) 1930 C) 1978 D) 1054
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
137.Which of the following astronomical objects is most closely associated with a pulsar?
A) A red giant star B) A neutron star C) A black hole D) A white dwarf star
Ans: B
Section: 13-10

A)
B)
C)
D)

138.What is a pulsar?
Very hot material orbiting a black hole
A Cepheid variable star with a period of a few days
A pulsating white dwarf star, fluctuating rapidly in brightness
A rapidly rotating neutron star, producing beams of radio energy and occasionally
of X rays and visible light
Ans: D

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Section: 13-10
139.A pulsar is
A)
a rapidly rotating neutron star, emitting beams of radio, and sometimes X-ray and
visible, energy.
B)
a binary star in which matter from one star is falling onto the second star.
C)
an object at the center of each galaxy, supplying energy from its rapid rotation.
D)
a pulsating star, in which size, temperature, and light intensity vary regularly.
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
140.A pulsar is
A)
a rapidly spinning neutron star.
B)
a type of variable star, pulsating rapidly in size and brightness.
C)
a very precise interstellar beacon perhaps operated by intelligent life forms.
D)
an accretion disk around a black hole, emitting light as matter is accumulated onto
the disk.
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
141.Pulsars, emitting very regular radio and sometimes visible light pulses, are what type of
object?
A)
Black holes, with material falling regularly into them
B)
Pulsating variable stars
C)
Rapidly rotating neutron stars
D)
Rapidly rotating binary star systems in which the stars undergo regular eclipses as
seen from the Earth
Ans: C
Section: 13-10
142.A pulsar is most probably formed
at the center of a supernova explosion.
in the high-temperature core of a star as it evolves through its main-sequence
phase.
C)
within a huge gas cloud by collisions between stars.
D)
just after the formation of a protostar by gravitational condensation.
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
A)
B)

A)
B)
C)
D)

143.The period of pulsation for most pulsars is in the range

between 1/1000 second and a few seconds.
between 106 and 103 second.
between minutes to tens of hours.
between many hours to a few days.
Ans: A
Section: 13-10

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)
C)
D)

144.The existence of stars composed almost entirely of neutrons was first predicted by
Jocelyn Bell in 1967.
Stephen Hawking in 1985.
Fritz Zwicky and Walter Baade in 1933.
Albert Einstein in 1908.
Ans: C
Section: 13-10

145.Neutron stars are believed to be created by

A)
all types of supernovae.
B)
type Ia supernovae, i.e., exploding white dwarfs.
C)
explosions of main-sequence stars.
D)
type II supernovae, i.e., explosions of high-mass stars.
Ans: D
Section: 13-10
A)
B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

146.The diameter of a typical neutron star of 1 solar mass is predicted to be approximately

1 km.
that of an average city, a few kilometers.
that of the Sun.
that of the Earth, 12,800 km.
Ans: B
Section: 13-10
147.Which of the following statements is NOT a property of neutron stars?
They rotate from 1 to 30 times each second.
They emit relatively narrow beams of light and other radiation.
They contain strong gravitational fields but weak magnetic fields.
They are composed almost entirely of neutrons.
Ans: C
Section: 13-10

148.What prevents a neutron star from collapsing and becoming a black hole?
A)
Gravity in the neutron star is balanced by an outward force due to neutron
degeneracy.
B)
Gravity is balanced in neutron stars by the outward centrifugal force produced by
their rapid rotation.
C)
Gravity in the neutron star is balanced by an outward force due to gas pressure, as
in the Sun.
D)
Neutron stars are solid and, like any solid sphere, they are held up by the repulsive
forces between atoms in the solid matter.
Ans: A
Section: 13-10
149.The very strong magnetic field on a neutron star is created by

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

A)
B)
C)
D)

the collapse of a star, which significantly intensifies the original weak magnetic
field of the star.
differential rotation of the neutron star, with the equator rotating faster than the
poles, similar to sunspot formation.
a burst of neutrinos produced by the supernova explosion since this would be the
equivalent of a very large electrical current flowing for a short time.
turbulence in the electrical plasmas during the collapse of a star; the original star
would have had no magnetic field.
Ans: A
Section: 13-11

150.The pulsed nature of the radiation at all wavelengths, which is seen to come from a
pulsar, is produced by
A)
the rapid pulsation in size and brightness of a small white dwarf star.
B)
the rapid rotation of a neutron star that is producing two oppositely directed beams
of radiation.
C)
the mutual eclipses of two very hot stars orbiting in a close binary system.
D)
extremely hot matter that is rapidly orbiting a black hole just prior to descending
into it.
Ans: B
Section: 13-11
151.The source of the beams of electromagnetic radiation (including light in some cases)
emitted by pulsars is
A)
charged particles traveling along the magnetic axes of rotating neutron stars; the
particles emit light as they are accelerated.
B)
electrons flowing out along the rotation axis of an accretion disk around a neutron
star; the electrons are accelerated and hence emit light.
C)
the surface of a normal star that has a white dwarf companion; the white dwarf
creates a hot spot on the normal star that emits a beam of light as the stars rotate
around each other.
D)
jets of material flowing out along the rotation axis of the accretion disk around a
black hole; collisions in the jets heat the material and produce light.
Ans: A
Section: 13-11
152.Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation that sweep
around the universe like rotating lighthouse beams. The charged particles that emit these
beams are believed to be
A)
charmed mesons and other exotic particles that on the Earth exist only in
laboratories.
B)
iron and other nuclei pulled from the neutron star's crust by its intense magnetic
fields.
C)
plasma (ionized gas) spiraling onto the neutron star from a normal stellar
companion.
D)
electrons and protons accelerated by the neutron star's intense magnetic fields.

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Ans: D
Section: 13-11
153.A neutron star will be detected from the Earth as a pulsar by its regular radio pulses only
if
A)
the Earth lies in the neutron star's equator, the plane perpendicular to its spin
axis.
B)
the Earth lies within the path of the narrow beam of radiation being generated by
the neutron star along its magnetic axis as the star rotates rapidly.
C)
the Earth lies in the plane of the neutron star's magnetic equator, halfway between
its magnetic poles.
D)
the Earth lies directly above the rotation axis of the rotating neutron star.
Ans: B
Section: 13-11
154.Visible pulses are seen to accompany radio pulses from a neutron star only
A)
from neutron stars that are high above the galactic plane, where visible light is not
obscurred by dust and gas.
B)
if the neutron star is relatively young.
C)
if the neutron star is part of a binary star system.
D)
if the neutron star is relatively old, since pulsars from recent supernova explosions
produce only radio pulses.
Ans: B
Section: 13-11
155.The main reason for the observed slow-down of many pulsars is
friction between the stellar surface and the surrounding nebular material.
a slow build-up of the magnetic field, rotational energy being transferred to
magnetic energy.
C)
the loss of rotational energy to provide energy for the emission of radiation.
D)
the slowing of rotation caused by slow expansion and redistribution of mass of the
source, similar to that which happens to a spinning skater.
Ans: C
Section: 13-11
A)
B)

156.As time progresses, the pulse rate for most solitary pulsars is
A)
varying periodically as the neutron star undergoes periodic expansions and
contractions.
B)
slowing down since rotational energy is being used to generate the pulses.
C)
speeding up as the neutron star slowly contracts under gravity.
D)
absolutely constant; pulsars provide ideal frequency standards, or clocks.
Ans: B
Section: 13-11
157.The interior of a neutron star is believed to consist of
A)
neutrons compressed into a crystalline lattice structure by very high pressure.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

B)
C)
D)

A)
B)
C)
D)

a dense gas consisting mostly of neutrons.

a metallic fluid of almost pure iron.
neutrons in a superfluid state.
Ans: D
Section: 13-11
158.The outermost layer of a neutron star is believed to consist of
a dense gas consisting mostly of neutrons.
a molten ocean of heavy elements such as iron, neon, and magnesium.
a solid crust.
superfluid neutrons.
Ans: C
Section: 13-11

159.In the study of neutron stars, what is a glitch?

A sudden change in the rotation rate of the neutron star
A change in the pulse period of a neutron star due to the gravitational effect of an
orbiting planet
C)
A sudden pulse of light from the neutron star
D)
A collision between two neutron stars
Ans: A
Section: 13-11
A)
B)

160.Glitches are occasionally observed by astronomers studying pulsars. What are these
glitches?
A)
Secondary pulses of radiation occasionally interspersed with the primary pulses
B)
Clumps of denser material in the jets of particles emitted along the magnetic poles
C)
Sudden flares caused by matter falling onto the surface of the neutron star
D)
Sudden changes in a pulsar's rotation rate
Ans: D
Section: 13-11
161.Could a neutron star have a planetary system orbiting around it?
Yes, such a planetary system has in fact been found.
No, all planets would have been vaporized by the original star while it was a red or
blue supergiant.
C)
No, neutron stars are too small and have insufficient gravity to hold a system of
planets.
D)
No, the planets would have been destroyed during the supernova explosion.
Ans: A
Section: 13-11
A)
B)

162.Some objects in our Galaxy are observed to have two oppositely directed jets of X rays
being ejected from them. These X-ray jets are believed to be from the accelerations of
A)
energetic, charged particles ejected along the magnetic axes of a rotating neutron
star.

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

B)
C)
D)

the material squirted out along the rotation axis of an accretion disk around a
neutron star in a binary star system.
the material transferred onto the surface of a white dwarf star in a binary star
system, then subsequently blasted into space by runaway thermonuclear fusion
reactions.
the material expelled from the far side of the companion star in a binary system,
repelled by magnetic interaction with the pulsar.
Ans: A
Section: 13-11

163.A particular person is wearing a gold ring. Could this gold have any connection with
neutron stars?
A)
No, we do not expect neutron stars to eject any significant amount of material into
the Galaxy.
B)
Yes, some of the gold may have been created in collisions between neutron stars in
binary systems.
C)
No, some of the hydrogen in the Earth's water may have been ejected from neutron
stars as high-energy protons, but all heavy elements come from supernova
explosions of normal stars.
D)
Yes, the neutrons in the gold nuclei were very likely ejected from neutron stars.
Ans: B
Section: 13-12
164.Pulsating X-ray sources are believed to be
white dwarf stars with intense magnetic fields; the X rays are generated by flares
like those on the Sun, but much stronger.
B)
spinning neutron stars in binary systems, emitting X rays because of mass transfer
onto the neutron star from its normal companion.
C)
the same as regular (optical) pulsars, but observed in X rays.
D)
black holes in binary systems, with the X rays emitted from an accretion disk
around the black hole.
Ans: B
Section: 13-13
A)

165.Pulsating X-ray sources with periods of a few seconds are caused by

the eclipsing of an X-ray-emitting star with a very hot surface by a cool companion
in a close binary system.
B)
the pulsation in radius, temperature, and hence luminosity of a hot Cepheid variable
star with a surface temperature hot enough to emit X rays.
C)
matter falling violently onto the surface of a rotating neutron star from a close
companion in a binary star system, causing an X-ray hot spot that disappears
periodically behind the neutron star.
D)
matter falling onto the surface of a very hot, rotating white dwarf star from an
ordinary companion star in a binary system, producing an X-ray-emitting hot spot
that disappears periodically behind the white dwarf.
Ans: C
A)

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

Section: 13-13
166.One prominent feature recently identified within many energetic close binary star systems
as a result of their mutual interaction and mass exchange is
A)
two oppositely directed high-speed jets of matter leaving the system.
B)
planetary formation between the stars, emitting IR radiation from molecular
constituents and dust.
C)
the beginnings of spiral arms, showing the possible origin of spiral arm galaxies.
D)
a cool dust cloud surrounding the whole star system, hiding it from visible view.
Ans: A
Section: 13-13
167.Some objects in our Galaxy are observed to have two oppositely directed jets of material
being ejected from them. These gas jets are believed to be
A)
energetic, charged particles ejected along the magnetic axes of a rotating neutron
star.
B)
material squirted out along the rotation axis of an accretion disk around a neutron
star in a binary star system.
C)
material transferred onto the surface of a white dwarf star in a binary star system,
then subsequently blasted into space by runaway thermonuclear fusion reactions.
D)
material expelled from the far side of the companion star in a binary system,
repelled by magnetic interaction with the pulsar.
Ans: B
Section: 13-13
168.X-ray bursters emit occasional and intense bursts of X rays on top of a steady low-level
X-ray emission. These bursts of X rays are believed to be caused by
A)
material from a companion star pulled into an accretion disk around a black hole
and, consequently, periodic clumps of material falling from the disk into the black
hole and being compressed produce the X rays.
B)
material transferred onto the surface of a neutron star, causing the neutron star to
collapse suddenly into a black hole.
C)
material transferred onto the surface of a neutron star in a binary system, then
subsequently ignited in a thermonuclear explosion that leaves the neutron star
intact to repeat the process.
D)
material transferred onto the surface of a white dwarf in a binary star system,
producing a thermonuclear explosion at the surface while leaving the white dwarf
intact to repeat the process.
Ans: C
Section: 13-14
169.The difference between a nova and an X-ray burst is that
a nova involves an explosion on the surface of a white dwarf, whereas an X-ray
burst involves an explosion on the surface of a neutron star.
B)
a nova involves an explosion on the surface of a neutron star, whereas an X-ray
burst involves an explosion on the surface of a white dwarf.
A)

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

C)
D)

a nova involves the complete explosive destruction of a white dwarf, whereas an Xray burst involves an explosion on the surface of the white dwarf.
a nova involves an explosion on the surface of a neutron star, whereas an X-ray
burst involves the complete collapse of a neutron star to form a black hole.
Ans: A
Section: 13-3 and 13-14

170.The X-ray bursts from an X-ray burster are caused by

A)
hot spots caused by material falling onto the poles of a rotating neutron star.
B)
explosive photodisintegration of iron nuclei on the surface of a neutron star.
C)
explosive helium fusion on the surface of a neutron star.
D)
explosive hydrogen fusion on the surface of a neutron star.
Ans: C
Section: 13-14
171.The Oppenheimer-Volkov limit to the amount of mass in a neutron star before neutron
degeneracy pressure is unable to withstand the force of gravity and the neutron star is
crushed out of existence into a black hole is
A)
about 3 solar masses.
C) about 100 solar masses.
B)
20 solar masses.
D) 1.4 solar masses.
Ans: A
Section: 13-15
172.When the mass of an object exceeds the Oppenheimer-Volkov limit, the object is believed
to collapse to form a
A) neutron star. B) white drarf. C) electron star. D) quark star.
Ans: D
Section: 13-15
173.A stellar core of about 2 solar masses collapses inward in a supernova explosion. What
will be the result of this collapse?
A)
A neutron star supported from further collapse by neutron-degeneracy pressure
B)
A black hole with infinitely small radius since nothing can prevent such a mass
from collapsing completely
C)
A star a little smaller than the size of the Sun supported from further collapse by
gas pressure from the hot interior of the star
D)
A white dwarf star supported from further collapse by electron-degeneracy pressure
Ans: A
Section: 13-10 and 13-15
174.A black hole is so named because
A)
the gravitational field is so high that the wavelength of its emitted light is
gravitationally redshifted to radio wavelengths.
B)
it emits no visible light because it is so cold, less than 100 K.
C)
no light can escape from it due to its powerful gravitational field.
D)
it is colder that the rest of the universe; that is, its effective temperature is less than

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

3 K.
Ans: C
Section: 13-15
175.A black hole is so named because
A)
no light or other electromagnetic radiation can escape from inside it.
B)
all of its electromagnetic radiation is gravitationally redshifted to the infrared,
leaving no light in the optical region.
C)
it emits a perfect blackbody spectrum.
D)
it is colder than the rest of the universe; that is, its effective temperature is less than
3 K.
Ans: C
Section: 13-15
176.What is believed to be the maximum mass for a neutron star?
A) 150 solar masses B) 12 solar masses C) 1.4 solar mass
Ans: D
Section: 13-15
A)
B)

A)
B)
C)
D)

D) 3 solar masses

177.The escape velocity for material inside a black hole is

zero.
C) greater than the speed of light.
infinite.
D) twice that from a neutron star.
Ans: C
Section: 13-15
178.One feature that distinguishes a black hole from all other objects in the universe is that
the escape velocity from inside this object is greater than the speed of light.
it emits large quantities of X rays.
its total mass exceeds 3 solar masses.
the shape of its gravitational field is always different from that of an ordinary
massive object, even at large distances from it.
Ans: A
Section: 13-15

179.The escape velocity of matter from the center of a black hole whose mass is greater than
3 solar masses is
A)
always exactly equal to the speed of light.
B)
quite small.
C)
greater than the speed of light.
D)
about half the speed of light.
Ans: C
Section: 13-15
180.Which is the correct sequence for the following end points of stellar evolution, in order of
increasing mass?
A)
White dwarf, black hole, neutron star C) Neutron star, black hole, white dwarf

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CHAPTER 13: The Deaths of Stars

B)

White dwarf, neutron star, black hole D)

Ans: B
Section: Chapter 13

Black hole, neutron star, white dwarf

181.Particle degeneracies stemming from the Pauli Uncertainty Principle support stars of
various masses. Which of the following lists these degeneracies in increasing order of the
amount of mass they can support?
A)
Electron, neutron, quark
C) Quark, neutron, electron
B)
Electron, quark, neutron
D) Neutron, electron, quark
Ans: A
Section: Chapter 13
182.Which of the following objects is NOT an endpoint of a star's evolutionary life?
A) Red giant B) Supernova C) Black hole D) Neutron star
Ans: A
Section: Chapter 13
183.In which order will a single star of about 1 solar mass progress through the various stages
of evolution?
A)
Planetary nebula, main sequence, neutron star, black hole
B)
T Tauri, red giant, white dwarf, neutron star
C)
Planetary nebula, main sequence, red giant, white dwarf
D)
T Tauri, main sequence, planetary nebula, white dwarf
Ans: D
Section: Chapters 12-13

Page 37