How does the pressure support mechanism during helium flash in a low-mass Red Giant differ from the primary support during subsequent burning in a Supergiant core?

Answer

Supergiant cores are supported by thermal gas pressure, while Red Giants use degeneracy pressure for the flash.

Red Giant helium flashes occur when the core is supported by electron degeneracy pressure, whereas massive Red Supergiant cores are supported primarily by thermal gas pressure when they initiate later burning stages.

How does the pressure support mechanism during helium flash in a low-mass Red Giant differ from the primary support during subsequent burning in a Supergiant core?

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