Using the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in Figure 10-7 of Comins,Discovering the Essential Universe,6th ed.,and the mass-luminosity relationship for main-sequence stars shown in Figure 10-14,which list is the CORRECT sequence of stars in increasing order of mass?
A) Regulus, Barnard's Star, Sun, Altair
B) Barnard's Star, Altair, Sun, Regulus
C) Barnard's Star, Sun, Altair, Regulus
D) Regulus, Altair, Sun, Barnard's Star

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, we can see that the sequence of stars in increasing order of luminosity (and therefore mass) on the main sequence goes:

Barnard's Star < Sun < Altair < Regulus

Using the mass-luminosity relationship for main-sequence stars shown in Figure 10-14, we can confirm that this is the correct sequence of stars in increasing order of mass. Therefore, the correct choice is C.

Using the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram in Figure 10-7 of Comins,Discovering the Essential