Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 7

How is a planetary nebula formed?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A planetary nebula forms when a star of low to intermediate mass exhausts its nuclear fuel. The core contracts and the outer layers expand, forming a red giant. The heat from the core is so intense that it blows away the outer layers, forming a nebula which is ionized by the core's ultraviolet radiation, causing it to glow. After about 10,000 years, the materials disperse into the interstellar medium, seeding space with elements for new star formation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Stellar Evolution

Observe that stars of low and intermediate mass (like our Sun) reach a stage late in their lives where they exhaust the nuclear fuel in their cores. This results in a series of complex changes in their structures leading to eject material and ionized gas.
02

Core Exhaustion and Expansion

Recognize that when the star's core runs out of fuel, it contracts under gravity's pull. The outer layers of the star expand and the star becomes a red giant.
03

Ejection of the Outer Layers

Understand that the core's intense heat causes the outer layers of the star to be steadily blown away. The continued ejection of the outer layers of the star creates a cloud of material around the hot core, forming the shell of the planetary nebula.
04

Ionization of Gases and Visibility of the Nebula

Realize that the intense ultraviolet radiation from the hot core ionizes the ejected materials. This ionization causes the shell of expelled gas to glow, making the nebula visible.
05

Dispersal into the Interstellar Medium

Note that after about 10,000 years, the shell has expanded so much that it becomes too faint to see, marking the end of the planetary nebula's life. The materials are returned to the interstellar medium, contributing to the formation of new stars and planetary systems.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

. Horizontal-branch stars are sometimes referred to as "helium main-sequence stars." In what sense is this true?

. Use a telescope to observe the remarkable triple star 40 Eridani, whose coordinates are R.A. \(=4^{\mathrm{h}} 15.3^{\mathrm{m}}\) and Decl. \(=-7^{\circ} 39^{\prime}\). The primary, a 4.4-magnitude yellowish star like the Sun, has a 9.6-magnitude white dwarf companion, the most easily seen white dwarf in the sky. On a clear, dark night with a moderately large telescope, you should also see that the white dwarf has an 11 th-magnitude companion, which completes this most interesting trio.

How do supernova remnants produce radiation at nonvisible wavelengths?

In what way does the structure of an aging supergiant resemble that of an onion?

There may have been recent supernovae in our Galaxy that have not been observable even though they are incredibly luminous. How is it this possible?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Dynamics

Read Explanation

Physical Quantities And Units

Read Explanation

Torque and Rotational Motion

Read Explanation

Mechanics and Materials

Read Explanation

Force

Read Explanation

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free