A star collapses when it runs out of fuel to sustain nuclear fusion in its core. This process is known as the end of a star's main sequence, and it can occur due to the depletion of hydrogen or other elements that the star fuses for energy.
Yes, a star with a mass greater than about three times that of our Sun can collapse into a black hole. When a star's core collapses, it can create a gravitational force so strong that even light cannot escape, resulting in a black hole.
During a star's collapse, the core becomes extremely dense and heats up, causing the outer layers of the star to collapse inward. As the core continues to collapse, it can reach temperatures high enough to initiate nuclear fusion again, resulting in a supernova explosion.
Yes, all stars will eventually run out of fuel and collapse. The lifespan of a star depends on its mass, with smaller stars having longer lifespans and larger stars burning through their fuel more quickly.
Studying star collapse can help us better understand the life cycle of stars and the processes involved in nuclear fusion. It can also provide insight into the formation of black holes and the effects of extreme gravitational forces on matter.