Question

Notability of Fusion Reaction in Stars: Which of the following mass ranges is indicative of the typical mass of a star that undergoes fusion reactions?

A) 4 solar mass < M < 10 solar mass
B) 2 solar mass < M < 8 solar mass
C) 5 solar mass < M < 12 solar mass
D) 1 solar mass < M < 5 solar mass

Answer 1

The mass range indicative of a typical star that undergoes fusion reactions is D) 1 solar mass < M < 5 solar mass, as significantly more massive stars are rare and objects with too little mass cannot ignite nuclear reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the mass range that is indicative of a typical star undergoing fusion reactions. Stars capable of sustaining fusion reactions must have a mass above a critical threshold to ignite nuclear reactions; this critical mass is about 0.075 times the mass of the Sun (solar masses). Furthermore, the upper limit for a star's mass, beyond which radiated energy prevents further accretion of mass, is between 100 and 200 solar masses.

Considering the provided options, the correct answer is D) 1 solar mass < M < 5 solar mass. This range includes the mass just necessary to sustain nuclear reactions and goes up to the point where stars are still relatively common before becoming rare as their mass increases.