Final answer:
A high mass star, with a mass many times greater than that of the Sun, experiences a different and more dramatic evolution, marked by higher temperatures and luminosity, faster fusion processes, and often culminating in a supernova, in contrast to the more tranquil evolution of low-mass stars like the Sun.
Step-by-step explanation:
A high mass star differs significantly from the Sun, which is a more modest star with a mass no more than about twice that of the Sun. Stars with high masses, such as those 20 times the mass of the Sun, follow a different evolutionary path compared to our Sun. While the Sun and stars of similar mass tend to have lower temperatures and luminosities on the main sequence, high mass stars are characterized by much higher temperatures and luminosities.
During their evolution, high mass stars undergo a series of nuclear fusion processes that are more complex and occur at a faster rate compared to those in low-mass stars like the Sun. The end result for a massive star is often a dramatic supernova explosion, following which it may leave behind a neutron star or a black hole. In contrast, a star like the Sun will eventually shed its outer layers to create a planetary nebula, leaving behind a relatively peaceful white dwarf.
The precise evolution of a star is largely dictated by its initial mass. For example, a white dwarf formed from a star with an initial mass of 1 solar mass (Msun) would differ in composition and could be less massive than a white dwarf that originated from a star with a larger initial mass, such as 9 Msun. The larger the original mass, the greater the chance that the white dwarf may exceed the Chandrasekhar limit and become a Type Ia supernova.