Which of the following is the correct sequence in the life cycle of a star like the Sun?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Answer: Main Sequence → Red Giant → White Dwarf
Explanation: The life cycle of a Sun-like star is studied in Astrophysics.
Correct sequence:
1. Main Sequence
Star spends most of its life here
Hydrogen fusion occurs in the core
Example: our Sun is currently in this stage
2. Red Giant
Hydrogen fuel gets exhausted
Star expands and becomes cooler at the surface
Size increases significantly
3. White Dwarf
Outer layers are shed
Dense, hot core remains
Final stable stage of a Sun-like star
Additional Key Facts
Final fate of Sun-like stars does NOT end in supernova
After white dwarf, it slowly cools into a black dwarf (theoretical stage)
Massive stars follow a different path ending in supernova and neutron stars or black holes
Sun has a total lifespan of ~10 billion years
Potential Exam Questions and Answers
Q. What is a protostar?
Ans: Early stage of star formation
Q. Which field studies star life cycles?
Ans: Astrophysics