Question

In which stage of a star's evolutionary cycle does it spend the most time?

the pre-main sequence
the main sequence
the post-main sequence
It depends on the mass of the star.

Answer 1

Stars spend the most time in the main sequence stage of their evolutionary cycle.

Step-by-step explanation:

Once a star has reached the main-sequence stage of its life, it derives its energy almost entirely from the conversion of hydrogen to helium via the process of nuclear fusion in its core. Since hydrogen is the most abundant element in stars, this process can maintain the star's equilibrium for a long time. Thus, all stars remain on the main sequence for most of their lives. Some astronomers like to call the main-sequence phase the star's "prolonged adolescence" or "adulthood".