Massive stars have larger fuel supplies, but they burn their fuel at a much faster rate, leading to shorter lifetimes than low-mass stars. The high mass causes greater gravitational pressure, which raises the core temperature and allows for rapid fusion, leading to a faster depletion of fuel.

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Massive Stars

Question 38

Multiple Choice

Massive stars:

A) burn their fuel rapidly, so they have shorter lifetimes than low-mass stars.
B) have large fuel supplies, so they have longer lifetimes than low-mass stars.
C) use the efficient CNO cycle, so they have longer lifetimes than low-mass stars.
D) burn more elements, so they have longer lifetimes than low-mass stars.

Correct Answer: