Question

Explain the process of red dwarf stars, particularly in comparison to Sun-like stars (approximately 0.4-4ⵙ).

A) Red dwarf stars form through a different process than Sun-like stars, involving less mass.
B) Red dwarf stars are larger and hotter than Sun-like stars.
C) Red dwarf stars go through a shorter life cycle compared to Sun-like stars.
D) Red dwarf stars and Sun-like stars have similar formation and characteristics.

Answer 1

Red dwarf stars are smaller, denser, and have a lower surface temperature and luminosity compared to Sun-like stars. They also have a longer lifespan. Red dwarf stars and Sun-like stars have similar formation and characteristics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Red dwarf stars, such as Ross 614B, are smaller and more compact than Sun-like stars. They have a low mass, about 1/12 that of the Sun, and a smaller diameter, only 1/10 that of the Sun. This results in red dwarf stars being much denser, with an average density about 80 times that of the Sun.

Red dwarf stars have a lower surface temperature, around 2700 K, compared to Sun-like stars. They also have a lower luminosity, usually only 1/2000 of the Sun's luminosity. Due to their lower temperature and luminosity, red dwarf stars have a longer lifespan than Sun-like stars, going through a longer main sequence phase.

Therefore, options A, B, and C are incorrect. The correct answer is D) Red dwarf stars and Sun-like stars have similar formation and characteristics.