How do white dwarfs compare to red giants?

What are the main differences between white dwarfs and red giants?

White dwarfs are the remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel, while red giants are in a later stage of stellar evolution, expanding and cooling as they burn helium.

What causes a star to become a white dwarf?

A star becomes a white dwarf after it has gone through the red giant phase, shedding its outer layers and leaving behind a hot core that gradually cools.

Are white dwarfs more massive than red giants?

Not necessarily. While some white dwarfs can be quite massive, red giants can also have significant mass. However, white dwarfs are typically more dense.

How long do white dwarfs last compared to red giants?

White dwarfs can last billions of years as they slowly cool down, while red giants have a relatively short lifespan, lasting only a few million years.

Can you give examples of white dwarfs and red giants?

Sure! A well-known white dwarf is Sirius B, and a famous red giant is Betelgeuse.