Solar system; stability of orbital motions; satellites (physics only)
A star on the main sequence has an initial mass of 25 M⊙25\ M_{\odot}25 M⊙ (where M⊙M_{\odot}M⊙ is the mass of the Sun).
Using the stellar evolution pathways shown in the flowchart below, which of the following options correctly describes the evolutionary sequence of this star, the primary mechanism of nucleosynthesis for elements heavier than iron, and the physics of its final remnant?
Evolutionary sequence: Main sequence →\rightarrow→ Red supergiant →\rightarrow→ Supernova →\rightarrow→ Black hole
Nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than iron: Occurs during the supernova explosion via neutron capture processes.
Remnant physics: The core collapse cannot be halted by neutron degeneracy pressure because the core mass exceeds the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff (TOV) limit.
Evolutionary sequence: Main sequence →\rightarrow→ Red giant →\rightarrow→ Planetary nebula →\rightarrow→ White dwarf
Nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than iron: Occurs via helium shell flashes during the asymptotic giant branch phase.
Remnant physics: The remnant is stable due to electron degeneracy pressure, as its mass is below the Chandrasekhar limit.
Evolutionary sequence: Main sequence →\rightarrow→ Red supergiant →\rightarrow→ Supernova →\rightarrow→ Neutron star
Nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than iron: Occurs during stable core silicon fusion prior to the supernova explosion.
Remnant physics: The core collapse is halted by neutron degeneracy pressure because the remaining core mass is below the Chandrasekhar limit.
Evolutionary sequence: Main sequence →\rightarrow→ Red supergiant →\rightarrow→ Supernova →\rightarrow→ White dwarf
Nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than iron: Occurs via proton capture in the outer hydrogen shell during the main sequence phase.
Remnant physics: The remnant is stable due to electron degeneracy pressure, as its mass exceeds the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit.