Question

High-mass stars live longer than low mass stars because it takes them a lot longer to use up their hydrogen fuel.

a. Yes, with more hydrogen to burn, massive stars can live for billions of years

b. Yes, low mass stars run out of hydrogen very quickly and have very short lifetimes

c. No, massive stars are much more luminous than low mass stars as they use up their hydrogen faster, even though they have more of it.

d. No, all stars have similar lifetimes despite their different masses

Answer 1

Massive stars have shorter lifetimes than low-mass stars because they burn through their hydrogen fuel at a faster rate. Higher mass stars have higher core temperature, causing them to use up their fuel more quickly. As a result, massive stars have shorter lifetimes despite having more fuel.

Step-by-step explanation:

Massive stars have shorter lifetimes than low-mass stars because although they have more fuel (hydrogen), they burn it much faster. The rate of fusion in a star depends on its core temperature, which is determined by its mass. Higher mass stars have higher core pressure and temperature, causing them to burn through their hydrogen fuel at a faster rate. As a result, massive stars have shorter lifetimes than low-mass stars, even though they have more fuel to burn. Additionally, the most massive stars are also the most luminous because they spend their resources (hydrogen fuel) at an astounding rate.