Question

The table below describes the properties of several stars. Star Color Temperature Approximate Radius Betelgeuse red 3,500 K 6.5 x 108 km Sun white-yellow 5,778 K 7.0 x 105 km Sirius A blue 9,940 K 1.2 x 106 km Pollux orange 4,865 K 5.5 x 106 km Judging from the information in the table, which of these stars is least likely to be categorized as a supergiant? A. Pollux B. Sirius A C. Sun D. Betelgeuse

Answer 1

The Sun is the star least likely to be categorized as a supergiant, given its smaller size and higher temperature compared to typical characteristics of supergiant stars such as Betelgeuse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The star least likely to be categorized as a supergiant among the four listed is the Sun. When looking at the characteristics of supergiant stars like Betelgeuse, they typically have a much larger radius and a cooler surface temperature compared to main-sequence stars like the Sun. The Sun, with a temperature of 5,778 K and a relatively small radius of 7.0 x 105 km, fits the criteria of a main-sequence star rather than a supergiant. In contrast, Betelgeuse, with a lower surface temperature of 3,500 K and a massive radius of 6.5 x 108 km, is an example of a supergiant star. Thus, comparing temperature and size, the Sun is significantly smaller and hotter than typical supergiants, confirming it as a main-sequence star.