Which fusion mechanism is dominant in stars significantly more massive than the Sun?
Answer
Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen (CNO) cycle
The CNO cycle becomes the primary energy generator in stars with core temperatures exceeding approximately 17 million Kelvin, characteristic of stars much more massive than the Sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What condition balances the inward crushing force of gravity in a main sequence star's core?What is the primary energy source for a star residing on the main sequence?Which fusion mechanism is dominant in stars significantly more massive than the Sun?What must atomic nuclei overcome to initiate hydrogen fusion?What is the rate-limiting step in the Proton-Proton chain reaction?In the CNO cycle, what specific function do carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen nuclei perform?How does the CNO cycle's rate respond to temperature changes compared to the P-P chain?What happens to a star if its core fusion rate slightly increases above equilibrium?What is the relationship between a star's mass and its main sequence characteristics?What internal structure describes a low-mass star, like 0.5 Solar Masses?How long is the Sun expected to remain in its stable main sequence phase?