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Stellar equilibrium relies on fusion and gravity to maintain stars in their current form.

A. What will the sun turn into when it runs out of fuel for fusion?
B. Do you think this will mean the end of life on earth?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

When the Sun runs out of fuel for fusion, it will enter a phase known as the red giant phase and eventually become a white dwarf. This process will not directly result in the end of life on Earth.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the Sun runs out of fuel for fusion, it will enter a phase known as the red giant phase. During this phase, the core of the Sun will contract while the outer layers expand, causing the Sun to become much larger and cooler. Eventually, the outer layers of the Sun will be expelled, leaving behind a hot, dense core called a white dwarf.

The end of the Sun's life as a red giant and the formation of a white dwarf will not directly result in the end of life on Earth. By the time the Sun exhausts its fuel and becomes a white dwarf, it will have already expanded to engulf the inner planets, including Earth. However, this process will take billions of years, giving life on Earth ample time to evolve and adapt to any changes in its environment.

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