Question

The spectral type of this star is listed as K5V. (V means it is a main sequence star.) Based on the table below, how does the surface temperature of this star compare with that of HIP 87937?

Spectral Type Example(s) Temperature Range (K)(K)
O Star's of Orion's Belt >33,000
B Rigel 33,000 - 10,000
A Sirius 10,000 - 7500
F Polaris 7500 - 6000
G Sun, Alpha Centauri A 6000 - 5200
K Arcturus 5200 - 3700
M Betelgeuse, Proxima Centauri <3700
It is hotter because K is before M in the spectral sequence.
It is a lot hotter because K is way before M in the spectral sequence.
It is a little cooler because K is just before M in the spectral sequence.
It is a lot cooler because K is way before M in the spectral sequence.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: "It is a little cooler because K is just before M in the spectral sequence."

Step-by-step explanation:

The spectral type K5V indicates that the star in question is a K-type main sequence star.

Looking at the temperature ranges provided in the table:

K-type stars have temperatures ranging from 5200 K to 3700 K.

M-type stars have temperatures below 3700 K.

Since K-type stars have temperatures higher than M-type stars, and K5V falls within the range of 5200 K to 3700 K, the surface temperature of the K5V star is higher than that of an M-type star like HIP 87937.

So, the correct answer is: "It is a little cooler because K is just before M in the spectral sequence."