Question

Which will be the last stage of evolution of a star highly more massive than the Sun?

• A. Black hole
• B. White dwarf
• C. Neutron star
• D. (a) and (c) above.

Answer 1

The correct option is D (a) and (c) above.

The last stage of a star depends upon its mass. The three possible end stages of stars are as follows:

1. Stars having initial mass less than or equal to 8 times the mass of the Sun ultimately become white dwarfs .
2. Stars having initial mass between 8 to 25 times the mass of Sun become neutron stars through a supernova.
3. Stars having initial mass larger than 25 times the mass of the Sun undergo a supernova, but turn into black holes.

Thus, a massive star transforms itself into either a neutron star or a black hole.