Question

How is a massive star's stage 4 different from an average star's stage 4?

A. Mass loss is slower in massive stars.
B. Average stars have higher surface temperatures.
C. Massive stars undergo rapid fusion reactions.
D. Average stars exhibit gravitational collapse.

Answer 1

Massive stars differ from average stars in stage 4 by having slower mass loss, rapid fusion reactions, and already surpassing the stage of gravitational collapse in their evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Massive stars differ from average stars in stage 4 in several ways:

1. Mass loss is slower in massive stars. This is because massive stars have higher core temperatures, which leads to faster fusion reactions and therefore a higher rate of energy production. This higher energy production creates strong stellar winds that blow off outer layers of the star, resulting in slower mass loss compared to average stars.
2. Massive stars undergo rapid fusion reactions. Due to their higher core temperatures, massive stars undergo rapid fusion reactions and burn their fuel at a much faster rate compared to average stars.
3. Average stars exhibit gravitational collapse. In stage 4, average stars start exhibiting gravitational collapse, where the core contracts and heats up, leading to the ignition of helium fusion. This is in contrast to massive stars, which have already surpassed this stage due to their faster evolution.