Which fusion pathway dominates in stars significantly more massive than the Sun?
Answer
The Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen (CNO) cycle
In more massive stars where core temperatures soar well above 15 million Kelvin, the CNO cycle becomes the more efficient and dominant fusion pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What process is the very definition of a star's main sequence phase?What state of balance is maintained by the outward pressure from core fusion?For how long does a star generally reside on the main sequence during its existence?What is the primary factor that determines a star's location on the main sequence?What is the principal energy-generating process in stars similar to or smaller than the Sun?Which fusion pathway dominates in stars significantly more massive than the Sun?What elements are utilized as catalysts in the CNO cycle fusion process?How does the main sequence lifetime of a star 10 times the Sun's mass compare to the Sun's lifetime?Approximately how much hydrogen does the Sun convert into helium every second?If a star's core fusion suddenly stopped, what would immediately occur?What event signals the definitive conclusion of a star's time on the main sequence?