Homework Set 5

1. In a high mass main sequence star, hydrogen fusion occurs

via
a) the proton-proton chain
b) the CNO cycle
c) gravitational collapse
d) spin-spin interaction

2. A pulsar is best described as a:

a) a rapidly rotating white dwarf
b) a rapidly rotating neutron star
c) an expanding and contracting white dwarf
d) an expanding and contracting neutron star

3. A pulsar pulses because

a) its spin axis crosses Earths line of sight.
b) it spins.
c) it has a strong magnetic field
d) its magnetic axis crosses Earths line of sight

4. A neutron star is
a) left behind after a Type I supernova explosion.
b) created if a star stops burning hydrogen and contracts.
c) created if a star stops burning helium and contracts.
d) left behind after a Type II supernova explosion.

5. Main sequences stars in this mass range are expected to form

neutron stars.
a) 0.08M( < M* < .4M(
b) .4M( < M* < 2M(
c) 2M( < M* < 8M(
d) more than 8 M(

6. Very young star clusters have main-sequence turnoffs

a) that drop below the main sequence.
b) at the top left of the main sequence.
c) at the bottom right of the main sequence.
d) in the middle of the main sequence.

7. Iron fusion cannot support a star because

a) iron oxidizes too quickly.
b) iron absorbs energy when it fuses.
c) iron emits energy when it fuses.
d) iron is not dense enough to hold up the outer layers of the
star.

8. What mechanism provides the internal pressure inside a

neutron star?
a) degeneracy pressure from neutrons
b) pressure from hydrogen and helium gas
c) degeneracy pressure from electrons
d) rapid rotation

9. Explosive nuclear fusion reactions on the surfaces of

neutron stars in binary star systems are called:
a) novas
b) supernovas
c) flares
d) x-ray bursters

10. Elements heavier than iron are produced by nuclear reactions

a) in a white dwarf.
b) during a supernova explosion of a massive star.
c) in the shells around the core of a high mass star.
d) in the core of a massive star just before it explodes as a
supernova.

11. The rotation rate of neutron stars

a) is constant.
b) is slowing down in all cases.
c) is slowing down for isolated pulsars, but can be speeding up
for pulsars in binary systems if mass transfer occurs.
d) is speeding up for all pulsars.