Question

What is the primary difference between population I and population II stars?

A) Population I stars are older and cooler than population II stars.
B) Population II stars are younger and more massive than population I stars.
C) Population I stars are found in globular clusters, while population II stars are found in open clusters.
D) Population I stars have higher metallicity and are typically found in the galactic disk, while population II stars have lower metallicity and are located in the galactic halo.

Answer 1

Population I stars have higher metallicity and are typically found in the galactic disk, while Population II stars have lower metallicity and are located in the galactic halo.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary difference between Population I and Population II stars is their metallicity, which refers to the abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, and their locations in the galaxy. Population I stars, like the Sun, are younger, with higher metallicity, and are found predominantly in the disk of the galaxy, especially in spiral arms and open clusters. They are also associated with interstellar matter and molecular clouds. In contrast, Population II stars are older, have lower metallicity, and are found in the galaxy's halo and in globular clusters. These stars typically follow eccentric elliptical orbits that do not correlate with the spiral arms.