The final stage in the life cycle of the most massive star is a

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach this question, I’ll review what the final evolutionary stage is for the most massive stars and compare it to each option.
Option 1: Black hole. For the most massive stars, after undergoing supernova explosions, the remnant core can be so massive that gravity overwhelms all other forces, collapsing into a black hole. This matches the well-established end state for the most massive stellar remnants.
Option 2: White Dwarf. White dwarfs are the end state for low- to intermediate-mass stars (roughly up to 8–10 solar masses on the main sequence). In these stars, the core is not heavy enough to cause a collapse into a neutron star or black hole; instead, electron degeneracy pressure halts further collapse, leaving a white dwarf. Since the question asks about the most massive stars, this option describes a less massive progenitor outcome, not the final stage for the heaviest stars.
Option 3: Black Dwarf. A black dwarf is a theoretical end state of a white dwarf after it has cooled to near absolute zero. This is a long-term, hypothetical future stage and would only apply after the white dwarf phase, which itself is not relevant to the most massive stars. Given the timescales involved and the mass context, this option describes a later, not primary, final stage for massive stars.
Option 4: Supergiant. A supergiant is a late stage in the evolution of massive stars, but it is not the final end state. Rather, a supergiant can precede a supernova, after which the remnant becomes a neutron star or black hole depending on the remaining mass. Thus, while a supergiant is an important intermediate phase, it is not the ultimate fate for the most massive stars.
In summary, the other options describe earlier or intermediate stages or outcomes not associated with the final fate of the most massive stars. The described final end state, given the mass, aligns with a compact object formed by complete collapse rather than dispersion or cooling alone.

Earth & Environmental Science 2025-26 4.2 Module 2-3 Assessment Honor Lock -S- (60 Minutes ASYNC)

The final stage in the life cycle of the most massive star is a

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