Exam-style question
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How does a star with a mass between 8 and 20 solar masses end its life cycle?.
- A.It becomes a black hole.
- B.It undergoes a supernova explosion.
- C.It becomes a red giant.
- D.It becomes a white dwarf.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It undergoes a supernova explosion.
Explanation
Why this works
Stars with a mass between 8 and 20 solar masses also end their life cycles by undergoing a supernova explosion, which is a significant difference from lower mass stars that may simply become red giants or white dwarfs. This applies to these stars because they have enough mass to fuse elements beyond carbon, leading to a dramatic end.
Common mistake
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