Why do higher-mass stars live shorter lives on the main sequence than lower-mass stars?
A) Higher-mass stars burn through their nuclear fuel faster.
B) Lower-mass stars don't get their energy from that same nuclear fusion source as higher-mass stars.
C) Higher-mass stars have less hydrogen fuel to burn.
D) Lower-mass stars spend a longer time evolving to the main sequence.
E) All of the above are false.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Higher-mass stars have a higher temperature and pressure at their cores, which causes them to burn through their nuclear fuel faster and exhaust it more quickly than lower-mass stars.

Why Do Higher-Mass Stars Live Shorter Lives on the Main