What happens when a massive star's core becomes iron?
A) The star begins to fuse iron into nickel.
B) The star begins to pulsate as a variable star.
C) The star becomes a planetary nebula.
D) The star can no longer support itself against gravity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a massive star's core becomes iron, it can no longer sustain nuclear fusion reactions to release energy and counteract the force of gravity. As a result, the star's core collapses under its own weight, leading to a supernova explosion and the formation of either a neutron star or a black hole.

What Happens When a Massive Star's Core Becomes Iron