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 other choices are false.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Higher-mass stars have a greater gravitational force, resulting in higher temperatures and pressures in their cores. This leads to faster nuclear fusion reactions, causing them to burn through their nuclear fuel faster and have shorter main sequence lifetimes. Lower-mass stars have weaker gravitational forces and lower temperatures and pressures in their cores, resulting in slower fusion reactions and longer main sequence lifetimes.

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