If you examine many main-sequence stars, the lifetimes are different. As the luminosity of the star under consideration increases, the star's main-sequence lifetime:
A)is unaffected, as lifetime depends only on temperature and mass and not luminosity.
B)decreases because the star's fuel is being expended at a larger rate.
C)increases because larger luminosities imply larger masses.
D)decreases because larger luminosities go with smaller, hotter stars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The main-sequence lifetime depends on the fuel a star has available, which is related to its mass. As the luminosity of the star increases, it means that the star is burning its fuel at a faster rate, leading to a shorter main-sequence lifetime.

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