Question

Match the mass of stars to the correct end stage of the star's life. ${\text{M}}_{\text{Sun}}$ is the mass of the Sun.

• A. Neutron star
• B. Black hole
• C. White dwarf

Answer 1

Stars evolve through their life, and end up into one of the following categories, depending on their mass:

1. White dwarfs: Stars with mass $<8{\text{M}}_{\text{Sun}}$ evolve into a red giant, and then become a white dwarf through an explosion.
2. Neutron stars: Stars with mass $>8{\text{M}}_{\text{Sun}}$ and $<25{\text{M}}_{\text{Sun}}$ evolve into a super red giant, and then become a neutron star through a violent supernova.
3. Black holes: Stars with mass $>25{\text{M}}_{\text{Sun}}$ evolve into a super red giant, but become a black hole after the violent supernova.