In the stellar life cycle, which of the following the birthplace of stars? Explain
a
Nebulae
b
Protostars
c
White Dwarves
d
Red Giants
a) Nebulae
Nebulae are the birthplaces of stars. Nebulae are vast clouds of gas and dust in space. These clouds can be made up of elements like hydrogen and helium, along with other molecular compounds. When the conditions within a nebula are right, such as when there is a disturbance or compression, gravity starts to take over. The gas and dust in the nebula start to collapse under gravity, causing the cloud to contract and become denser.
As the gas and dust continue to collapse, it begins to heat up due to the increasing pressure. Eventually, the central region of the cloud becomes extremely hot and dense, forming what is called a protostar. This is the second stage in the stellar life cycle, but it is still considered part of the birth phase as the protostar is in the process of forming.
Therefore, the birthplace of stars is the nebulae, where the initial collapse and formation of a protostar occur.