Answer :
Final answer:
The evolution of a low-mass star includes formation from a molecular cloud, main sequence, red giant branch, helium flash, horizontal branch, asymptotic giant branch, shedding mass, and finally becoming a white dwarf that cools over time.
Explanation:
The evolution of a low-mass star like our Sun can be placed in the following order:
- A clump forms in a giant molecular cloud. (c.)
- A protostar forms from the collapsing material. (f.)
- Hydrogen fusion begins, marking the birth of a star. (h.)
- The star evolves and moves onto the red giant branch, increasing in luminosity and radius. (d.)
- A helium flash occurs, which marks the beginning of helium burning in the core. (i.)
- The star moves onto the horizontal branch, where it achieves a stable state of helium fusion. (a.)
- The star moves onto the asymptotic giant branch, where it burns helium in a shell around a core of carbon and oxygen. (e.)
- The star sheds mass, creating a planetary nebula, and the exposed hot core is visible at the center. (g.)
- The star becomes a white dwarf and eventually cools down over billions of years. (b.)