Chapter 33, Problem 5RAT

To determine

The correct option for the statement "In its old age, the Sun will”.

Answer to Problem 5RAT

The correct option for the statement "In its old age, the Sun will” option (b).

Explanation of Solution

At old age, the hydrogen fuel in the Sun’s core gets exhausted, and the gravitational pull exceeds the thermal pressure. As a result, the star is pulled inward, and the temperature in the core is increased.

When the temperature reaches a certain point, helium and carbon begin to fuse up at the center of the core. The star is now in the form of concentric shells and, hydrogen-helium fusion takes place in the shells.

The Sun attains a giant size, and its color turns to red. The continuing fusion of carbon and helium results in the accumulation of carbon ash in the Sun’s core. The Sun becomes deficient of fuel as the fusion process continues. As the Sun is about to collapse, plasma and gas are ejected, forming nebula. After millions of years, the nebula leaves behind the Sun as a carbon core called a white dwarf.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement "In its old age, the Sun will" is option (b).