Which component of the red giant structure, according to the composition stratification, is composed predominantly of hydrogen and helium but is largely untouched by the deeper fusion process?
Answer
The Envelope
The compositional stratification of a red giant is described as layered, similar to an onion. The innermost layer is the inert helium core. Surrounding this is the active Hydrogen-Burning Shell, which is the current primary energy source. The outermost and largest layer is the Envelope. This vast, loosely bound region consists primarily of the original hydrogen and helium material but remains largely unprocessed by the intense fusion occurring deeper inside, functioning as a cool, expansive blanket surrounding the hotter, active internal layers.
Related Questions
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