Question

What are the characteristics of small stars?

a) Small stars are typically very hot and massive.
b) Small stars have a short lifespan compared to larger stars.
c) Small stars are less common in the universe.
d) Small stars are mainly composed of helium.

Answer 1

Small stars such as red dwarfs are cooler, less luminous, smaller, denser, and have a much longer lifespan compared to larger, more massive stars.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristics of small stars are significantly different from those of larger stars. Small stars, like red dwarfs, have relatively low luminosity, low mass, and cool surface temperatures when compared to larger stars. For instance, a red dwarf such as Ross 614B is much smaller in diameter, about 1/10 that of the Sun, and has a low luminosity, emitting only 1/2000 of the Sun's luminosity. Despite their lower mass and smaller size, small stars are considerably denser than larger stars, with Ross 614B having a density about 80 times greater than that of the Sun. However, contrary to what some might expect, the lifespan of small stars is significantly longer than that of larger stars due to their cooler interiors and lower energy generation rate.