The star Alpha Centauri A is the same type of star as the Sun, but its luminosity is about 1.6 times that of the Sun. What can we conclude?
A) Alpha Centauri A fuses hydrogen into helium in its core at a higher rate than our Sun.
B) Alpha Centauri A has a much higher surface temperature than the Sun.
C) Alpha Centauri A is much farther from Earth than the Sun.
D) Alpha Centauri A must have a vastly different interior structure than the Sun.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Luminosity is directly related to the rate at which a star fuses hydrogen into helium in its core. Therefore, since Alpha Centauri A has a higher luminosity than the Sun, it must be fusing hydrogen into helium at a higher rate.

The Star Alpha Centauri a Is the Same Type of Star