What evolutionary stages does a much more massive star undergo?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Reach for the Stars Test. Focus on flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Master your astronomy knowledge!

A much more massive star undergoes a specific sequence of evolutionary stages due to the increased gravitational forces and the rates of fusion in its core. The life cycle begins with the formation of a protostar, where the star accumulates mass from its surrounding molecular cloud. Once nuclear fusion ignites, it enters the main sequence phase, where it fuses hydrogen into helium.

After exhausting its hydrogen fuel, a massive star evolves into a red giant, during which it expands significantly and begins to fuse heavier elements. Eventually, certain massive stars will reach the end of their lives in a dramatic explosion known as a supernova, which can leave behind dense remnants such as a neutron star or black hole, depending on the original mass.

In summary, the correct sequence for a much more massive star indeed includes the stages of becoming a protostar, evolving into a red giant, and culminating in a supernova, which is representative of the complex processes involved in stellar evolution for high-mass stars.

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