If you examine many main-sequence stars, the lifetimes are different. As the mass of the star under consideration increases, the star's main-sequence lifetime:
A)is unaffected, as lifetime depends only on temperature and luminosity and not mass.
B)increases because the star has more fuel to burn.
C)increases because more massive stars have cooler surfaces and smaller luminosities.
D)decreases because larger stars consume their fuel at a larger rate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

More massive stars have higher pressures and temperatures at their cores, leading to faster nuclear fusion rates. This increased rate of fuel consumption results in shorter main-sequence lifetimes despite their larger fuel reserves.

If You Examine Many Main-Sequence Stars, the Lifetimes Are Different