Question

Which part of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is occupied by protostars?

a. a band running from upper right to lower left

b. a band running from upper left to lower right

c. to the right of the main sequence

d. to the left of the main sequence

Answer 1

Protostars are located to the right of the main sequence on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, where they continue to evolve until they reach the main sequence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Protostars can be found on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in a specific region during their evolution towards becoming main-sequence stars. When considering the choices provided, the correct answer is (c) to the right of the main sequence. Protostars are in the process of contracting and have not yet begun the hydrogen fusion process that main-sequence stars maintain. As they contract and increase in temperature and luminosity, they will eventually join the main sequence, which runs diagonally from the upper left to the lower right of the H-R diagram.